Tongue-In-Cheek

High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles! Tongue-in-cheek is a phrase used as a figure of speech to imply that a statement or other production is humorously intended and it should not be taken at face value. The facial expression typically indicates that one is joking or making a mental effort. In the past, it may also have indicated contempt but that is no longer common. By 1842 the phrase had acquired its contemporary meaning similar to take what I am saying with a grain of salt, indicating that a statement was not meant to be taken seriously. Early users of the phrase include Sir Walter Scott in his 1828 The Fair Maid of Perth.