Writing with 'tongue in cheek'

November 11, 8:26 AMWacky Questions ExaminerMichael Rudeen

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What is the origin of the expression tongue in cheek and what exactly does it mean? -- Chris

To speak with tongue in cheek means to be humorously ironic, mocking or insincere. As for its origin, no one is sure.

The Dictionary of Clichés says the expression refers to saying something and then putting your tongue in your cheek to indicate that you're kidding, similar to winking. Take Our Word for It says sticking your tongue into the side of your cheek is an actor's technique to keep from laughing onstage, a transgression known as corpsing.

The Henry Holt Encyclopedia of Word and Phrase Origins, however, says it's just an unexplained coinage that first appeared in Richard Barham's 1845 work The Ingoldsby Legends.

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