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Thread: 'Tongue-in-cheek'

  1. #1
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    'Tongue-in-cheek'

    What does it mean (the expression, not the gesture)?
    "С чий очи сънувам, чий е този лик обречен?
    Смъртен глас ми се причува и отеква с вик далечен
    Как да зърна да погледна, чуждий образ да прегърна,
    на лицето ми студено грях в надежда да превърна.."

  2. #2
    Властелин
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    It means to say something half seriously, or in a subtly mocking or self-mocking, or ironic way. Like a gentler form of sarcasm.

    For example: my mother-in-law is staying with us just now and isn't due to go home until new year, but my wife and her just argue all the time and it is really irritating, so each time they start I casually mention something about her air ticket being open ended, or ask whether she's looking forward to her next Aeroflot meal, or whether she's packed. That is tongue-in-cheek, she knows I'm joking but being half-serious at the same time.

    In addition, it can be used as an adjective to describe books, films etc which aren't out and out parodies, but nevertheless don't take themselves seriously. An example like Shaun of the Dead springs to mind.

  3. #3
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    I've also heard that the expression originates from comical actors putting their tongues in cheek to keep themselves from laughing at stage.

  4. #4
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    Quote Originally Posted by scotcher
    It means to say something half seriously, or in a subtly mocking or self-mocking, or ironic way. Like a gentler form of sarcasm.

    For example: my mother-in-law is staying with us just now and isn't due to go home until new year, but my wife and her just argue all the time and it is really irritating, so each time they start I casually mention something about her air ticket being open ended, or ask whether she's looking forward to her next Aeroflot meal, or whether she's packed. That is tongue-in-cheek, she knows I'm joking but being half-serious at the same time.

    In addition, it can be used as an adjective to describe books, films etc which aren't out and out parodies, but nevertheless don't take themselves seriously. An example like Shaun of the Dead springs to mind.
    Gotcha. Thanks!
    "С чий очи сънувам, чий е този лик обречен?
    Смъртен глас ми се причува и отеква с вик далечен
    Как да зърна да погледна, чуждий образ да прегърна,
    на лицето ми студено грях в надежда да превърна.."

  5. #5
    Moderator Lampada's Avatar
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    По-моему, это то же, что и "держать язык за зубами".
    "...Важно, чтобы форум оставался местом, объединяющим людей, для которых интересны русский язык и культура. ..." - MasterАdmin (из переписки)



  6. #6
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    Quote Originally Posted by Lampada
    По-моему, это то же, что и "держать язык за зубами".
    По-моему, не очень подходит.
    «И всё, что сейчас происходит внутре — тоже является частью вселенной».

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