APAD: tongue in cheek

Definition

   lighthearted and not serious speech in a sarcastic manner

 

Examples

   1) His compliment about my cooking skills was clearly tongue in cheek.

   2) Her claim of being a 'professional procrastinator' was said with a

      tongue-in-cheek smile.

 

Etymology

   It originates from the physical act of pressing one's tongue against the

   inside of the cheek.

 

Synonyms

   ironic wit, dry humor

 

- englishdaily626.com [edited]

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For a long time, I couldn' master this simple phrase and every time I saw it I

had to look it up. Maybe it was because where I came from, sarcasm often needed

no expounding and the context would've made it clear. Or maybe it's personal as

I grew dark and cynical from studying too much LuXun (tongue-in-cheek) at an

impressionable age. Irony has been abundant and natural to me.

 

I think it should've helped if they had added "(just kidding)" or "(sarcastic)"

after "tounge in cheek." Of course, that wouldn't be necessary for Westerners.