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

• wise
• bold
• sassy
• saucy
• impudent
• fresh
• brazen
• cocky
• insolent
• blunt
• brassy
• defiant
• cute
• audacious
• brash
• impertinent
• nervy
• assertive
• cocksure

Examples of cheeky in a Sentence

a cheeky comment about something that was none of her business

Recent Examples on the Web

The beloved cookbook author, who goes by the cheeky nickname @grossypelosi, has brought every bit of that high-spirited vibe to his new cookbook, Let's Party. —Miranda Crowell, Better Homes & Gardens, 3 Sep. 2025

The designer sets a relaxed and classic tone in her spaces, then layers on the personality, adding cheeky wall coverings, pretty patterns, and plenty of organic textures. —Elizabeth Stamp, Architectural Digest, 3 Sep. 2025

The cheeky youngster with an eyepatch and baseball cap trailed by a motley crew? —R. Daniel Foster, Forbes.com, 3 Sep. 2025

The collaboration has cheeky style names such as The Wingman in Emotional Baggage and The Mayday in Fly Me Out. —Lisa Lockwood, Footwear News, 3 Sep. 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