What Is Another Way to Say “Tongue-in-Cheek”?

Looking for synonyms for tongue-in-cheek? We’ve got you covered!

Here’s a list of other ways to say tongue-in-cheek.

  • Facetious
  • Sarcastic
  • Ironical
  • Witty
  • Jocular
  • Playful
  • Sardonic
  • Whimsical
  • Humorous
  • Mischievous
  • In jest
  • Flippant
  • Satirical
  • Droll
  • Cheeky

Want to learn how to say tongue-in-cheek professionally? Keep reading for examples and use cases.

1. Facetious

Appropriate Use: Used when making humorous remarks or jokes about serious subjects.
Example: His facetious comments during meetings often lighten the mood.

2. Sarcastic

Appropriate Use: Used when making remarks that mean the opposite of what they seem to say and are intended to mock or deride.
Example: Her sarcastic remarks about the project timeline highlighted the team’s frustration.

3. Ironical

Appropriate Use: Used when saying things that are the opposite of what you mean, as a joke.
Example: He made an ironical comment about how enjoyable the extended work hours were.

4. Witty

Appropriate Use: Used when making remarks or jokes that are clever and amusing.
Example: His witty observations about office life are always a hit at company gatherings.

5. Jocular

Appropriate Use: Used when speaking or acting in a playful or humorous way.
Example: The manager’s jocular manner during the presentation helped ease the tension.

6. Playful

Appropriate Use: Used when not being serious and having a light, amusing tone.
Example: She adopted a playful tone when teasing the team about their coffee addiction.

7. Sardonic

Appropriate Use: Used when making mocking or cynical comments.
Example: His sardonic remarks about the competitor’s launch event raised a few eyebrows.

8. Whimsical

Appropriate Use: Used when being playfully quaint or fanciful, especially in an amusing way.
Example: The CEO’s whimsical anecdotes about the company’s early days were quite entertaining.

9. Humorous

Appropriate Use: Used when being funny or making jokes.
Example: His humorous approach to the presentation made the complex information more engaging.

10. Mischievous

Appropriate Use: Used when showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way.
Example: Her mischievous comments during the brainstorming session sparked creative ideas.

11. In Jest

Appropriate Use: Used when saying something for fun or not seriously.
Example: The comment about relocating the office to Hawaii was made in jest.

12. Flippant

Appropriate Use: Used when not showing a serious or respectful attitude.
Example: A flippant remark was made about the ease of meeting the impossible deadline.

13. Satirical

Appropriate Use: Used when criticizing through ridicule, irony, or sarcasm.
Example: His satirical take on corporate policies was both amusing and thought-provoking.

14. Droll

Appropriate Use: Used when being curious or unusual in a way that provokes dry amusement.
Example: Her droll sense of humor often caught her colleagues off guard.

15. Cheeky

Appropriate Use: Used when being slightly rude or disrespectful but in an amusing way.
Example: His cheeky remarks during the team meeting brought some much-needed laughter.

Linda Brown