tongue-in-cheek

1 of 2

adjective

ˈtəŋ-in-ˈchēk 

: characterized by insincerity, irony, or whimsical exaggeration

tongue in cheek

2 of 2

adverb

: with insincerity, irony, or whimsical exaggeration

Examples of tongue-in-cheek in a Sentence

Adverb

The whole interview was done tongue in cheek.

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The coach is photographed in a variety of tongue-in-cheek situations such as grilling, taking an ice plunge, beekeeping, working out and doing karate — all while wearing khakis. — Jean E. Palmieri, Footwear News, 14 Sep. 2026

There’s a tongue-in-cheek nature to some of the challenges to his decision (for instance, a performance art piece about a mother bidding farewell to her son). — Siddhant Adlakha, Variety, 11 Sep. 2026

Adverb

Yet most of the scenes are scripted and intended to be tongue in cheek, conveying the musicians’ irreverent sense of humor. — René Ostberg, Encyclopedia Britannica, 4 Sep. 2026

And so everything about the book was meant to be also a little tongue in cheek. — Caroline Reilly, Forbes.com, 30 June 2026

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1899, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1856, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for tongue-in-cheek

• electroweak
• angelique
• dominique
• fenugreek
• politique
• veronique
• antique
• batik
• bespeak
• boutique
• cacique
• comique

Kids Definition

tongue-in-cheek

1 of 2 adjective

: not meant to be taken seriously

tongue in cheek

2 of 2 adverb

: in a tongue-in-cheek manner