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 of cheeky

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

Examples of cheeky in a Sentence

a cheeky comment about something that was none of her business

Recent Examples on the Web

In a November 2020 episode of Unlocking Us hosted by Brené Brown, the author spoke with the late Dolly Parton, who had a cheeky bit of gossip to share about her old friend Burt Reynolds. — Brianna Zigler, Entertainment Weekly, 22 Sep. 2026

His Lamb goes from a brash Yorkshire showman to a callous profiteer of human vice and misery, his cheeky smile becoming a vicious snarl. — Joe Reid, Vulture, 21 Sep. 2026

Back in the series premiere, the Hal-o-gram’s first words serve as cheeky foreshadowing for the big reveal that ends that episode (aka revealing Hal’s dead body). — Ben Travers, IndieWire, 20 Sep. 2026

Boat shoes are already relatively unfussy to wear, but the mule version of the silhouette is cheeky and cute. — Kaitlin Clapinski, InStyle, 17 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

see cheek entry 1

First Known Use

1838, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for cheeky

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

Kids Definition

cheeky

adjective

ˈchē-kē 

cheekier; cheekiest

informal : boldly rude or disrespectful in usually a playful way

cheekiness noun