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 one image, Perry lifted the hemline of her skirt for an extra-cheeky photo-op. — Lara Walsh, InStyle, 7 Nov. 2026

Fortunately for completionists, a cheeky, monochromatic, red-on-red look is warming up winter trends. — Loren Savini, Allure, 6 Nov. 2026

Firstman had handed him Eric Goode’s book on Area, the legendary 1980s Tribeca club where a corner might display a cheeky conceptual piece by Andy Warhol or a nude model dressed to look like a statue. — Adriane Quinlan, Curbed, 5 Nov. 2026

The company’s cheeky name is reflected in its approach to phone design. — Ryan Whitwam, ArsTechnica, 4 Nov. 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