Cheeky Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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cheeky

[ˈtʃiːki ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

playful behavior

Impudent or irreverent, typically in an endearing or amusing way. Cheeky behavior often involves teasing or making lighthearted jokes.

Synonyms

impertinent, impudent, mischievous, saucy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cheeky	Used in a playful and often affectionate way to describe someone who is bold or slightly naughty but in an endearing manner. He gave the waiter a cheeky grin. She made a cheeky comment during the meeting.
impudent	Often carries a stronger negative connotation, describing behavior that is offensively bold or disrespectful. His impudent remarks got him into trouble. She was impudent enough to laugh during the serious discussion.
saucy	Used to describe someone who is boldly playful or cheeky, often with a sense of flirtation involved. She gave him a saucy wink. He made a saucy remark that made everyone laugh.
impertinent	Used to describe someone who is being rude or showing a lack of respect, especially towards someone of higher status. The student's impertinent question shocked the teacher. It was impertinent of him to interrupt the speaker.
mischievous	Used to describe playful behavior that is meant to cause trouble or annoyance, but typically not in a harmful way. The mischievous child hid his sister’s shoes. Her mischievous antics are well-known among her friends.

Examples of usage

He gave her a cheeky grin before running off to play.
Don't be so cheeky with your comments, it's not appropriate in this situation.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

British slang

Cheeky can also be used in British slang to describe something that is audacious or bold, often in a positive or charming way.

Synonyms

audacious, bold, charming, impudent.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
cheeky	Used when someone is being playful or teasing in a way that is slightly rude but intended to be funny or endearing. She gave him a cheeky grin after making a playful joke about his haircut. That was quite a cheeky comment you made at dinner!
bold	Used to describe someone who is brave and confident, often involving action or decisions that require courage. The bold firefighter rescued the children from the burning building. He made a bold move by quitting his job to start his own business.
audacious	Used in more formal situations to describe someone who takes bold risks or challenges authority, often with a sense of admiration. The audacious entrepreneur launched a new tech company against all odds. Her audacious plan to climb the mountain alone amazed everyone.
charming	Used when someone has an attractive personality or behavior, making them likable and able to persuade others easily. He has such a charming smile that everyone feels at ease around him. The hostess was charming, ensuring all her guests felt welcome.
impudent	Used to describe someone who is shamelessly bold and disrespectful, often considered rude and negative. The impudent child spoke back to his teacher without any concern for respect. Her impudent behavior at the meeting shocked everyone in the room.

Examples of usage

She made a cheeky request for an extra discount and surprisingly, it worked.
The chef's cheeky twist on the classic recipe was a hit with the customers.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Pop Culture

Cheeky characters often appear in children’s books, providing a source of humor and relatability.
British sitcoms frequently feature cheeky people who break rules while creating laughter.
'Cheeky Nandos' is a popular phrase in UK internet culture, celebrating a certain fun dining experience.

Psychology

Being cheeky can be a sign of high confidence and social awareness, knowing how to engage others positively.
Cheekiness is often linked to playful behavior, which can ease social interactions and strengthen friendships.
People often use cheekiness to showcase wit, leading to stronger personal bonds.

Literature

Cheeky characters are often found in classic literature, from mischievous elves in fairy tales to clever tricksters.
In Shakespeare’s plays, cheeky characters like Puck bring a dynamic and humorous twist to the storyline.
Modern literature frequently portrays cheeky protagonists who blur the line between acceptable behavior and fun.

Cultural Variations

In British culture, cheeky is often used affectionately, implying a sense of charm, while in some places it might be taken more critically.
In Australia, the term can describe someone who is overly familiar or presumptuous in a humorous way.
While considered playful in many contexts, in some cultures, cheekiness may not be received well and can be viewed as disrespectful.

Origin of 'cheeky'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the word 'cheek', which originally meant 'to be bold' or 'sassy'.
It possibly originated from older Scottish terms, where it described someone who was impudent or irreverent.
The transition to a more playful meaning happened in the UK during the 20th century.

The origin of the word 'cheeky' can be traced back to the 18th century, where it was initially used to describe someone who was impudent or disrespectful. Over time, the connotation of the word evolved to include a playful or mischievous element, especially in British English. Today, 'cheeky' is commonly used to describe someone or something that is boldly charming or audacious.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,567, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

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28564 genocidal
28565 pandemonium
28566 verbose
28567 cheeky
28568 indissolubly
28569 ditched
28570 gainsay
...