Here's a breakdown:
* Literal Meaning: "Fish Cheeks" refers to the dish Amy Tan's family serves to their guest, a boy she has a crush on. It's a simple and ordinary food.
* Cultural Significance: In the story, the fish cheeks represent Amy's Chinese heritage and her family's cultural traditions. However, she is ashamed of them because she feels they are "un-American" and will make her look "different" in the eyes of her crush.
* Irony: The title "Fish Cheeks" ironically highlights the clash between Amy's desire to fit in with American culture and her pride in her Chinese heritage. The dish she considers "un-American" is actually a symbol of her identity and her family's love.
The title therefore creates a sense of ironic distance, making readers aware of Amy's self-conscious perspective while also hinting at the deeper meaning of the story.