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
• 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

There are also a few cheeky nods to the area's Old West past, including saloon nights with live music and card games and outdoor firepits for roasting marshmallows. — Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 15 Aug. 2026

From cheeky thong bikinis to tiny string bikinis, there’s been no shortage of two-piece swimwear inspiration. — Chanel Vargas, InStyle, 15 Aug. 2026

For the latter set, something a little cheekier, but still gentle, like a pastel bubblegum pink may do the trick. — Loren Savini, Allure, 14 Aug. 2026

But as that cheeky headline indicates, one byproduct of her decision is that the novel won’t be available to purchase on Amazon—a feat nearly impossible to accomplish in a marketplace dominated by the ecommerce giant. — Keziah Weir, Vanity Fair, 13 Aug. 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