😛 Tongue in Cheek: Whipping Out Wit with a Wink 😉
Tongue in cheek, with - To speak ironically or mockingly; slyly insincere. This term presumably refers to the mocking facial expression resulting from poking one’s tongue in one’s cheek. It dates from the first half of the nineteenth century. H. McLeave used it in Borderline Case (1979): “‘Only for those people who have something sinister to hide,’ he said, tongue-in-cheek.”
Related and Similar Terms:
- Irony: Saying the opposite of what is meant, often humorous or sarcastic.
- Sarcasm: Mocking, often painful or cutting.
- Wry humor: Humor that is dry, mocking, and slyly sarcastic.
- Deadpan: Delivering statements or jokes without visible emotion.
- Facetious: Treating serious issues with deliberately inappropriate humor.
Synonyms:
- Arch
- Insincere
- Mocking
- Subtly Humorous
- Playfully Ironic
Antonyms:
- Sincere
- Genuine
- Earnest
- Straightforward
- Literal
Quotes:
- “I can resist everything except temptation.” – Oscar Wilde, an expert in keeping his tongue firmly in his cheek!
- “The world is a stage, but the play is badly cast.” – Oscar Wilde, delivering a hefty dose of irony.
Proverbs:
- “Sometimes you have to laugh to keep from crying.”
- “Too much wittiness has driven men to madness.”
References and Suggestions:
- Literature: Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift - A masterpiece of satirical prose.
- Books: Catch-22 by Joseph Heller - Irony and absurdity wrapped into one unforgettable narrative.
- Songs: Ironic by Alanis Morissette – A tune highlighting the quirks and ironies of life.
- Poetry: The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock by T.S. Eliot - Lines loaded with wry, understated humor.
- Movies: Dr. Strangelove - A brilliant blend of humor, irony, and the absurd.
### Which of these phrases implies irony?
- [ ] Doing things by the book
- [x] Tongue-in-cheek
- [ ] Wholeheartedly sincere
- [ ] Dead serious
> **Explanation:** "Tongue-in-cheek" is a well-known phrase implying the speaker is being ironic or insincere.
### Which characteristically ironic book might you enjoy if you like ‘tongue-in-cheek’ humor?
- [x] Catch-22 by Joseph Heller
- [ ] The Count of Monte Cristo
- [ ] A Farewell to Arms
- [ ] The Da Vinci Code
> **Explanation:** *Catch-22* is packed with irony and is a prime example of tongue-in-cheek narrative style.
### Complete the phrase: "He said that with his tongue firmly in his ..."
- [ ] Gelato
- [ ] Pocket
- [x] Cheek
- [ ] Notebook
> **Explanation:** The phrase "tongue-in-cheek" signifies saying something ironic or facetious and completes most logically with "cheek."
### True or False: Deadpan humor is highly animated and enthusiastic.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** Deadpan humor is characterized by a lack of visible emotion or expression, making the statement dry and often humorously understated.
### Which author is renowned for tongue-in-cheek witticisms and outrageous satire?
- [ ] J.K. Rowling
- [x] Oscar Wilde
- [ ] Dan Brown
- [ ] J.R.R. Tolkien
> **Explanation:** Oscar Wilde is famous for his cheeky and ironical wit, making him a quintessential "tongue-in-cheek" author.
Author: Lucy Literal-Not
Date: 2023-10-02
Inspirational thought: Embrace the irony of life, find joy in the unexpected twists, and remember—sometimes the only way to the truth is with a sly smile and a tongue tucked in cheek.
