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

The bio is a cheeky reproduction of Streep's, and another play on Death Becomes Her's themes of female jealousy, rivalry, and replacement. —Ryan Coleman, EW.com, 22 Nov. 2024

The cover art for Missionary is a cheeky, black condom wrapper. —Tomás Mier, Rolling Stone, 21 Nov. 2024

Fireball 50ml Candy Cane Gift Fireball 50ml Candy Cane Gift Total Wine has this cheeky, adults-only Fireball stocking stuffer for less than $10! —Kasey Caminiti, USA TODAY, 18 Nov. 2024

Say Nothing depicts him as a cheeky charmer, the kind of leader every soldier wanted to follow, thanks to his combination of charisma and principled bravery. —Sophie Brookover, Vulture, 16 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

see cheek entry 1

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cheeky

adjective

ˈchē-kē 

cheekier; cheekiest

informal : boldly rude or disrespectful in usually a playful way

cheekiness noun