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

Their desperate efforts to hide from the cameras became instant fodder for social media memes and late-night jokes and, eventually, for a cheeky video response from Astronomer, starring Martin’s ex-wife, Gwyneth Paltrow. —Martha Ross, Mercury News, 10 Sep. 2025

The Jonas Brothers musician, 36, had a cheeky response after a fan appeared to catch him on video clearing out his nose during a break from the stage at a recent concert. —Kimberlee Speakman, PEOPLE, 10 Sep. 2025

The cheeky pop track is the second single from Man’s Best Friend, which was released in late August. —Olivia Singh, Forbes.com, 8 Sep. 2025

Goldie Hawn posted a cheeky photo to celebrate her son's birthday. —Lori A Bashian, FOXNews.com, 8 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