English Dictionary

TONGUE-IN-CHEEK

Pronunciation (US): Play  (GB): Play

IPA (US): 

 Dictionary entry overview: What does tongue-in-cheek mean? 

TONGUE-IN-CHEEK (adjective)
  The adjective TONGUE-IN-CHEEK has 1 sense:

1. cleverly amusing in toneplay

  Familiarity information: TONGUE-IN-CHEEK used as an adjective is very rare.


TONGUE-IN-CHEEK (adverb)
  The adverb TONGUE-IN-CHEEK has 2 senses:

1. in a bantering fashionplay

2. not seriouslyplay

  Familiarity information: TONGUE-IN-CHEEK used as an adverb is rare.


 Dictionary entry details 


TONGUE-IN-CHEEK (adjective)


Sense 1

Meaning:

Cleverly amusing in tone

Synonyms:

bantering; facetious; tongue-in-cheek

Context example:

tongue-in-cheek advice

Similar:

humorous; humourous (full of or characterized by humor)


TONGUE-IN-CHEEK (adverb)


Sense 1

Meaning:

In a bantering fashion

Synonyms:

banteringly; tongue-in-cheek

Context example:

he spoke to her banteringly


Sense 2

Meaning:

Not seriously

Synonyms:

facetiously; jokingly; tongue-in-cheek

Context example:

I meant it facetiously


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