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
A combination of 'Auge' (eye) and 'zwinkern' (to wink), with the '-d' ending forming a participle. It literally translates to 'eye-winking'.
Memory Tips
Visualize someone winking an eye ('Auge') to signal that their comment is a joke or not entirely serious, which is the core meaning of 'augenzwinkernd'.