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

In July 2024, Thompson's daughter Gaia shared a cheeky post on her Instagram Stories poking fun at 2023's Barbie movie's tagline — and Thompson's ex, Kenneth Branagh. —Hannah Sacks, People.com, 8 Aug. 2025

Though milder in temperament, Turner is just as cheeky as Hickman. —Kylie Volavongsa, jsonline.com, 7 Aug. 2025

Not Thirst Traps collection emerges at the intersection of trendy fashion statements, Y2K style and online culture, with T-shirts embossed with irreverent, cheeky turns of phrase. —Julia Teti, Footwear News, 5 Aug. 2025

Get there by 4:20 (another cheeky reference) and experience the freshest fish, free spirits, and a front-row seat to the good life. —Carrie Honaker, Travel + Leisure, 5 Aug. 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