tongue-in-cheek

1. Ironically: “The critic's remarks of praise were uttered strictly tongue-in-cheek.”

Example Sentences

Carney’s affectionate salute to the local hero had one line that tickled the crowd — “As Uncle Buck said,” the PM intoned with tongue-in-cheek gravitas — and pointed political jabs that got people clapping.

From Los Angeles Times

So it's no surprise that serious petitions to governments have always been interspersed with tongue-in-cheek campaigns designed to raise a laugh.

From BBC

Some responses, perhaps tongue-in-cheek, riffed on leftist conspiracy: “This is the future us leftists want. For the domain of all right winged red necks to turn on them and force veganism upon them.”

From Salon

The US tech firm whose CEO and chief people officer resigned after being caught on camera embracing at a Coldplay concert has released a tongue-in-cheek promotional video featuring Gwyneth Paltrow as a "temporary spokesperson".

From BBC

It's all deliberately over-the-top and tongue-in-cheek, but the cast insist any ridicule is entirely affectionate.

From BBC

Related Words

• amusing 
• comic 
• flippant 
• humorous 
• ironic 
• irreverent 
• jocular 
• joking 
• playful 
• sarcastic 
• satirical 
• whimsical