tongue in cheek 

When a statement is "tongue in cheek" it is ironic, slyly humorous; it is not meant to be taken seriously, however its sarcasm is subtle.

Though not meant to be taken seriously, it is not overt joking or kidding around, it is "gently poking fun". A "tongue in cheek" statement may have a double meaning, some sort of inuendo or is witty in some way, particularly to the speaker. The tone or the context of the statement may make it to be taken seriously by the listener.

It's origin comes from when Spanish minstrels would perform for various dukes in the 18th century; these dukes would silently chastise the silliness of the minstrel's performances by placing their tongue firmly to the inside of their cheek.

(A family goes out to dinner with their grandma at a restaurant called Dick's)
Grandma: I love Dicks, they're so delicious. I think I need seconds.
Kid (tongue in cheek): Hey grandma, why do you like Dicks so much?
Grandma: Oh well I'm not sure, they just make my mouth happy!

tongue in cheek by Laqueshus June 5, 2009

tongue in cheek 

When someone speaks tongue-in-cheek, that means they're joking and kidding.

He always speaks tongue-in-cheek, he never takes things seriously.

tongue in cheek by Fangsta March 18, 2003

tongue in cheek 

A tongue-in-cheek statement is spoken in a dead serious manner knowing full well that the intent of the statement is a joke.

On the Carol Burnett Show. Tim Conway would do a tongue in cheek routine with a straight face making everyone else on the show crack up laughing.

tongue in cheek by rainbow chaser August 16, 2016

tongue in cheek 

Is said to derive from the practice of putting one's toungue to their cheek to keep from laughing.

Today it often means that someone is kidding or joking.

An expression can indicate that the writer is using them tongue-in-cheek.

tongue in cheek by mjisagenius May 15, 2005

tongue in cheek 

Gesture in which tongue in placed in cheek in conjunction with a clasped hand outside the mouth moving in a back and forth motion to give one the impression that a penis is in their mouth.

This definition is an example of tongue in cheek humor.

tongue in cheek by Spoodigity August 20, 2008

Tongue in cheek 

The actual act of a person pressing there tongue against the inside of there mouth, causing a bulge on the outside of there cheek for others to see. This is a way of telling another person to fuck off without saying it. The person that is receiving this insult has done or said something that the other person performing the act has found to be, upsetting to them or unable to deal with. There's also a probable chance that the receiver might not even notice or be aware the other persons is performing the action.(right over there head so to say) Those who feel superior to others, hiding a shame or a fear of insecurity, might use this action. Might even be referred to as a childish reaction to a situation that they feel powerless over due to the environment and or circumstances.

office setting

person says "the truth is that college educated people are a dime a dozen these days and theirs no real guarantee that you wouldn't be laid off"

receiver of the above statement performs the tongue in cheek action.

Tongue in cheek by Generic John January 23, 2009

Tongue-in-cheek 

Tongue-in-cheek is a term used to refer to humor in which a statement is not meant to be taken seriously, but its lack of seriousness is subtle.

Nonetheless beware of jackasses trying to use it as an out-of-jail card sometimes when they fuck up and say some' stupid they really meant.

The night before: "If you get us some T or G we can fuck all night, do any horrible things you wanna do".

The following morning: "Hey baby! I was just being "tongue-in-cheek" with that text I sent you yesterday. Just fucking around. Hope you're well. Later.."

Tongue-in-cheek by dhoyos October 19, 2008