Tongue-in-cheek (Adverb)
Meaning 1
In a bantering fashion; "he spoke to her banteringly".
Examples
- He joked that she owed him money, tongue-in-cheek, after she spent a little more than expected on the night out.
- When his sister mentioned he had an easy life, he thanked her profusely tongue-in-cheek, not expecting anyone to believe he genuinely agreed.
- Her best friend always managed to respond to awkward comments with humorous comments delivered tongue-in-cheek.
- During their competitive sports games, his colleagues made him bets and accepted penalties, both done tongue-in-cheek, so the pressure would stay friendly.
- In order to save her embarrassment after making an unexpected confession, her best friend casually reacted to it tongue-in-cheek, passing off her discomfort with lighthearted words.
Synonyms
Meaning 2
Not seriously; "I meant it facetiously".
Examples
- He said he was the king of the world, tongue-in-cheek, but it was obvious he didn't actually believe it.
- The comedian made a tongue-in-cheek remark about politics that was both funny and ironic.
- She smiled tongue-in-cheek when she told him that his singing voice was like an angel's.
- The review was tongue-in-cheek when it said that the low-budget horror film was 'this year's best film.'
- The humor columnist's article about giving cats voting rights was clearly tongue-in-cheek.