cheeky

Everyday

1. (informal, UK, Ireland, Australia, NZ) Cheeky means rude or not respectful, but often in a funny or playful way. tree →
2. (informal, UK) A cheeky smile or grin is playful and a bit naughty. tree →
3. (slang, UK) "A cheeky" something means a small treat you shouldn't really have: "a cheeky biscuit". tree →

In the lessons

In school and home talk adults call children cheeky for answering back. In stories it shows a lively, naughty character. Phrases: cheeky monkey, cheeky grin, don't be cheeky, cheeky so-and-so.

Examples

• Don't be cheeky to your teacher! tree →
• He gave me a cheeky grin. tree →
• You cheeky monkey, you ate my chips! tree →
• It was cheeky of her to take the last slice. tree →
• The cheeky seagull stole my sandwich. tree →
• Fancy a cheeky ice cream on the way home? tree →
• "Is that your homework or your dog's?" asked the cheeky boy. tree →
• Granny laughed at his cheeky joke. tree →

Note

Informal. Comparative: cheekier, cheekiest. Noun: cheek ("What a cheek!" = how rude). Less common in the USA, where "sassy" or "fresh" is used.