augenzwinkernd
Translation
with a wink, tongue-in-cheek, jokingly, ironically
Examples
Er machte eine augenzwinkernde Bemerkung.
He made a tongue-in-cheek remark.
Das war natürlich augenzwinkernd gemeint.
That was meant tongue-in-cheek, of course.
Grammar Patterns
((as an adverb)) tongue-in-cheek, with a wink He said it with a wink.
((as an adjective)) tongue-in-cheek, witty a tongue-in-cheek remark
Similar Words
Synonyms: ironic, joking, humorous, tongue-in-cheek
Etymology
From 'Auge' (eye) + 'zwinkern' (to wink) + '-d' (present participle ending). It literally means 'eye-winking'.
Memory Tips
Picture someone winking their eye ('Auge') as they say something not meant to be taken completely seriously. This gesture implies a hidden, humorous meaning.