cheeky

adjective

ˈchē-kē 

cheekier; cheekiest

informal

: boldly rude, impudent, or disrespectful in usually a playful or appealing way

a cheeky grin

… old-timers who still look like they could deck you if you get too cheeky.

—Shaun Assael

cheekily

ˈchē-kə-lē 

adverb

cheekiness

ˈchē-kē-nəs 

noun

Synonyms

• arch
• audacious
• bold
• bold-faced
• brash
• brassbound
• brassy
• brazen
• brazen-faced
• cocksure
• cocky
• fresh
• impertinent
• impudent
• insolent
• nervy
• sassy
• saucy
• wise

Examples of cheeky in a Sentence

a cheeky comment about something that was none of her business

Recent Examples on the Web

There are, notably, no skits or cheeky elements though. —Armon Sadler, VIBE.com, 1 Apr. 2025

And while fans love their cheeky banter on Live with Kelly and Mark, even more hilarious are the thirsty comments Kelly often sends in her hubby's direction. —Andrea Wurzburger, People.com, 30 Mar. 2025

Gucci Re-Web sneakers $1,150 GUCCI Gucci Re-Web sneakers $1,150 GUCCI Screener This shoe’s name, the Screener, is a cheeky homage to the term used for defensive players in basketball, football, and hockey. —Kristina Rutkowski, Vogue, 28 Mar. 2025

This cinched bikini set features a cheeky bottom and a knotted bikini top easily adjusted for all sizes. —Nora Colomer, FOXNews.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

see cheek entry 1

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cheeky

• creaky
• freaky
• leaky
• sneaky
• squeaky
• streaky

Kids Definition

cheeky

adjective

ˈchē-kē 

cheekier; cheekiest

informal : boldly rude or disrespectful in usually a playful way

cheekiness noun