cheekiness

Everyday

1. Rude but often playful or funny behaviour that shows a lack of respect. tree →
2. Boldness, cheek, the nerve to ask for or do something. tree →

In the lessons

In school reports and stories it describes a child who answers back or plays around. It can be a telling-off word or a fond one. It tells the reader someone is being bold and a little rude. Similar: «cheek» («What a cheek!»).

Examples

• The teacher would not put up with any more cheekiness. tree →
• His cheekiness made everyone laugh, even Mum. tree →
• I couldn't believe the cheekiness of the seagull stealing my chips. tree →
• Her cheekiness got her sent out of the room. tree →
• There was a twinkle of cheekiness in his eyes. tree →
• Grandma loved the cheekiness of her youngest grandchild. tree →

Note

Uncountable: no plural, no «a». Spelling: cheeky → cheekiness (y changes to i). The short word «cheek» is often used the same way: «That's enough cheek from you!»