Cheekiness: meaning, definitions and examples

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cheekiness

[ˈtʃiːkinəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in behavior

The quality of being impudent or disrespectful in speech or behavior. Cheekiness often involves a sense of mischief or playfulness.

Synonyms

disrespectfulness, impertinence, impudence, sauciness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cheekiness	Use when referring to playful or bold behavior, often in a light-hearted or humorous way. Her cheekiness made everyone in the room laugh. He answered the teacher with some cheekiness, but she didn't seem to mind.
impudence	Use when referring to shameless boldness or disrespectful behavior, typically with a negative connotation. The student's impudence earned him a detention. Her impudence in front of the guests embarrassed her parents.
disrespectfulness	Use when referring to a lack of respect or courtesy towards someone or something, often in a serious or negative situation. His disrespectfulness towards the elders was shocking. Disrespectfulness will not be tolerated in this house.
sauciness	Use when referring to bold or cheeky behavior, often in a flirty or slightly rude but playful way. Her sauciness made him laugh during the date. The sauciness in his remarks was both amusing and irritating.
impertinence	Use when referring to rude or overly bold behavior, often towards someone of higher status or in a formal setting. His impertinence towards the judge was astounding. She was reprimanded for her impertinence during the meeting.

Examples of usage

He responded to the teacher's question with cheekiness, earning a detention.
Her cheekiness often got her into trouble, but it was hard to stay mad at her.
Don't mistake her cheekiness for rudeness; she just has a playful sense of humor.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in appearance

A quality of being bold or brazen, especially in one's appearance or manner. Cheekiness can be seen as a form of confidence or self-assurance.

Synonyms

boldness, brazenness, confidence, self-assurance.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cheekiness	Typically used to describe playful or mischievous behavior that might be slightly disrespectful but is often considered charming or humorous. His cheekiness made everyone at the party laugh despite his slightly rude jokes. The cheekiness of the child amused the adults as he tried to sneak an extra cookie.
boldness	Often used to describe a willingness to take risks or face danger; can be seen in acts that require courage or daring. Her boldness in asking for a raise impressed her boss. The explorer's boldness led him to discover new lands.
brazenness	Used to describe a lack of shame or modesty, often with a connotation of rudeness or disrespect. This word has a negative connotation. His brazenness in ignoring the rules shocked everyone. The brazenness of her lies was astonishing.
confidence	Describes a belief in oneself and one's abilities; generally viewed in a positive light and often associated with competence and calmness. Her confidence in public speaking made the presentation successful. He exuded confidence when he walked into the interview room.
self-assurance	Similar to confidence, but often implies a deeper, more intrinsic sense of trust in oneself, often built over time through experience. His self-assurance was evident in the way he handled the difficult situation. She approached the exam with self-assurance, believing in her preparation.

Examples of usage

Her outfit exuded cheekiness, with bright colors and bold patterns.
The actor's cheekiness on stage captivated the audience and added charm to the performance.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word originates from the 19th century, derived from 'cheeky,' which combines the word 'cheek' with a playful suffix.
In British English, 'cheek' has long been associated with being impudent or bold, which reflects the playful nature of 'cheekiness.'
The use of the term in different cultures can vary, with some viewing it as charming and others as disrespectful.

Pop Culture

Characters known for their cheekiness, like Bart Simpson from 'The Simpsons', exemplify this trait through playful rebellion.
Cheekiness often appears in comedians' routines, where playful banter engages audiences in a light-hearted manner.
In children's shows, characters that display cheekiness often teach lessons about friendship and honesty in fun ways.

Psychology

Cheekiness can be seen as a coping mechanism in children, allowing them to deal with stress or anxiety through humor.
Some studies suggest that displaying cheeky behavior can enhance social bonds and foster friendships among peers.
It’s linked to creativity, as cheeky individuals often think outside the box and express themselves in novel ways.

Literature

Cheekiness is a common trait in literary characters who embody mischief, often leading to humorous conflicts in stories.
Authors have historically used cheeky protagonists to critique societal norms, making readers laugh while reflecting on serious issues.
In classic children's literature, cheeky characters often end up learning important lessons about manners and respect.

History

The playful spirit of cheekiness can be traced back to jesters in medieval courts, who broke societal norms humorously while making critical observations.
Historical literature often celebrates cheeky figures, demonstrating how this trait has been both admired and scorned throughout ages.
In different cultures, cheekiness has served as a form of rebellion against authority, often making it a political statement.

Translations

Translations of the word "cheekiness" in other languages:

🇵🇹 atrevimento

🇮🇳 ढिठाई

🇩🇪 Frechheit

🇮🇩 kelancangan

🇺🇦 зухвалість

🇵🇱 bezczelność

🇯🇵 生意気さ

🇫🇷 impertinence

🇪🇸 descaro

🇹🇷 arsızlık

🇰🇷 뻔뻔함

🇸🇦 وقاحة

🇨🇿 drzost

🇸🇰 drzosť

🇨🇳 厚颜无耻

🇸🇮 nezaslišnost

🇮🇸 ósvífni

🇰🇿 бетпақтық

🇬🇪 უსირცხვილობა

🇦🇿 arsızlıq

🇲🇽 descaro

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,817, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.

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41815 filtrating
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41817 cheekiness
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41819 spinsterish
41820 canoodling
...