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

Relations between Messi and Ronaldo have thawed somewhat over the years, but there was little doubt the move was intended as a cheeky jab, as Ilenič leaped into the air, spun around and threw his arms down by his sides. —Martin Rogers, The Athletic, 22 Feb. 2025

This cheeky hippie-esque restaurant is all rainbow hues and eclectic artwork but the best part is the Turkish breakfast set. —Kaitlyn McInnis, Forbes, 22 Feb. 2025

The work, a cheeky take on America’s obsession with pop culture and internet discourse, brought an immediate smile to my face. —Daniel Cassady, ARTnews.com, 22 Feb. 2025

Needless to say, none of this is even half-serious, a near-inevitability given the presence of the cheeky, glottal-stopping Woodall in the leading role. —Graham Hillard, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Feb. 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