How Do You Spell TONGUE-IN-CHEEK?

Pronunciation: [tˈʌŋɪnt͡ʃˈiːk] (IPA)

The phrase "tongue-in-cheek" means to say something humorous or sarcastic, but not seriously. It can be spelled with or without hyphens, but the most common spelling is with hyphens. The "tongue" refers to the physical tongue, while "in-cheek" is an idiomatic expression meaning something said in a lighthearted or ironic manner. The IPA phonetic transcription for the word "tongue-in-cheek" is /tʌŋ ɪn tʃiːk/.

TONGUE-IN-CHEEK Meaning and Definition

  1. The term "tongue-in-cheek" is an idiomatic expression used to describe a statement, gesture, or action that is ironic, sarcastic, or not to be taken seriously. It refers to a manner of speaking that simultaneously conveys a serious intention or meaning while gently mocking or teasing the subject matter.

    The phrase "tongue-in-cheek" signifies a figurative act of placing one's tongue inside the cheek, typically as a way to signal irony or amusement. When used in a conversation or written communication, it helps the speaker or writer convey a message that may initially seem straightforward but contains a hidden layer of humor or irony. This style of communication often serves to lighten the mood, add levity, or open up a playful way of expression.

    Tongue-in-cheek remarks are usually understood through contextual cues such as tone, body language, or exaggerated facial expressions, as they may appear contradictory or paradoxical when taken literally. It implies a certain level of intellectual playfulness, allowing the speaker to toe the line between seriousness and jest. The phrase is commonly utilized in informal or informal settings, including humor, satire, or witty banter. Consequently, "tongue-in-cheek" statements may be employed to evoke a wry smile, engage in gentle teasing, or subtly express criticism without causing offense.

Common Misspellings for TONGUE-IN-CHEEK

  • rongue-in-cheek
  • fongue-in-cheek
  • gongue-in-cheek
  • yongue-in-cheek
  • 6ongue-in-cheek
  • 5ongue-in-cheek
  • tingue-in-cheek
  • tkngue-in-cheek
  • tlngue-in-cheek
  • tpngue-in-cheek
  • t0ngue-in-cheek
  • t9ngue-in-cheek
  • tobgue-in-cheek
  • tomgue-in-cheek
  • tojgue-in-cheek
  • tohgue-in-cheek
  • tonfue-in-cheek
  • tonvue-in-cheek
  • tonbue-in-cheek

Etymology of TONGUE-IN-CHEEK

The etymology of the phrase "tongue-in-cheek" can be traced back to the mid-19th century. The phrase originated from the physical act of placing one's tongue in their cheek, which is commonly used to signify a humorous or sarcastic intention. It is believed to have been derived from the practice of biting one's tongue to suppress laughter or to communicate irony in a subtle manner. Over time, this physical gesture evolved into the idiomatic expression "tongue-in-cheek", which means to say something with a hint of irony or sarcasm.