Information AboutTongue-in-cheek |
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ORIGIN OF THE TERM This phrase clearly alludes to the facial expression created by putting one's tongue in one's cheek. This induces a wink (go on - try it), which has long been an indication that what is being said is to be taken with a pinch of salt. It may have been used to suppress laughter. 'Tongue in cheek' is the antithesis of the later phrase - 'with a straight face'. The term first appeared in print in ' The Fair Maid Of Perth ', by that inveterate coiner of phrases, Sir Walter Scott , 1828 : :"The fellow who gave this all-hail thrust his tongue in his cheek to some scapegraces like himself." It isn't entirely clear that Scott was referring to the ironic use of the expression. A later citation from Richard Barham 's The Ingoldsby Legends , 1845 is unambiguous though: :He fell to admiring his friend's English watch. :He examined the face, :And the back of the case, :And the young Lady's portrait there, done on enamel, he :Saw by the likeness was one of the family; :Cried 'Superbe! Magnifique!' (With his tongue in his cheek) :Then he open'd the case, just to take a peep in it, and |
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