tongue-in-cheek

1 of 2

adjective

: 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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Adjective
The tourism hub is lined with hotels, restaurants, shops and entertainment spots, but the council says lewd messages sprawled across the backsides of storefront mannequins and tongue-in-cheek T-shirts are tarnishing the area’s wholesome image. Michael Dorgan, FOXNews.com, 14 Aug. 2025 This isn’t the first time Veronica has made a tongue-in-cheek response to backlash. Luke Chinman, People.com, 4 Aug. 2025
Adverb
Given the state of the market, that was likely a tongue in cheek comment, but one thing’s for sure: people ARE buying. John Werner, Forbes.com, 28 July 2025 Finally—with tongue in cheek—how crazy is harvest time for you each year? Tom Hyland, Forbes.com, 19 June 2025 See All Example Sentences for tongue-in-cheek

Word History

First Known Use

Adjective

1899, in the meaning defined above

Adverb

1856, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of tongue-in-cheek was in 1856

Browse Nearby Words

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Cite this Entry

“Tongue-in-cheek.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tongue-in-cheek. Accessed 21 Aug. 2025.

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

More from Merriam-Webster on tongue-in-cheek

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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