Definition of "tongue-in-cheek" in English

Adjective

1. Not intended seriously; jocular or humorous.

   • He gave a tongue-in-cheek explanation of why the sky was blue, offering a theory about some primordial discount on light blue paint.

Adverb

1. With contempt.

2. With irony.

   • He portrayed them tongue-in-cheek as great lawgivers, as Solons.