cheek

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "cheek" is correct and usable in written English, depending on the context.
It can be used to refer to the side of the face or as a colloquial term for impudence or audacity. Example: "She had the cheek to ask for a raise after being late every day."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

My cheek nestled against the scratch of paper.

The Guardian - Books

The same was true of his classic picture of Seberg kissing Belmondo on the cheek.

The Guardian - Arts

In between, she observed that the Conservative's one nation was a bit of a cheek coming from a party that had won the election by dividing the country into several nations.

The Guardian

It was written with tongue firmly in cheek, yet this situation did indeed seem to irk Genoa's directors.

The Guardian - Sport

Another of those affected, Stephen Reid, 27, said: "The first thing I knew about it was screams of other people who were closer to the spray, and then my eyes started to burn … I remember going to my girlfriend's later that day and giving her a hug as I told her what had happened and her cheek started burning".

The Guardian

The first edition of Charlie Hebdo since nine members of staff were murdered by terrorist gunmen last week appears to turn the other cheek.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

10 10 founder and Age of Stupid film-maker Franny Armstrong said tonightCurtis had written what she thought was "a funny and satirical tongue-in-cheek little film in the over-the-top style of Monty Python or South Park".

The Guardian

The journalist, now 33, penned a tongue-in-cheek open letter to Edward Snowden on his arrival in Moscow – an extended welcome assuring him that the security services were monitoring every conversation leaving "nothing here in Russia to expose".

The Guardian

The broadcasters' tongue-in-cheek tweeted assessment included the apology, the suggestion the home goalkeeper Kieren Westwood might have "fallen asleep" when he was replaced by Shay Given, and that the Republic's former non-league player, Harry Arter, would be "used to this standard".

The Guardian - Sport

The arts critic Bruce Dessau certainly didn't think so, blogging on the subject under the headline Russell Howard 1, Stewart Lee 0. (Lee has mocked Howard, tongue-in-cheek or otherwise, in his live act).

The Guardian

In 2009, when the Cork county goalkeeper Donal Og Cusack came out as gay, the novelist Colm Tóibín hailed him as "the first gay hurler since Cúchulainn", a tongue-in-cheek reference to the Iron Age mythological warrior-hero whose feats with stick and ball make him the precursor of today's hurlers.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "cheek" to describe a body part, ensure the context is clear to avoid ambiguity. For the meaning of impudence, consider stronger synonyms for formal writing.

Common error

Avoid using "cheek" in contexts where the reader might misunderstand whether you're referring to the face or impudence. Clarify the intent to prevent confusion.

Linguistic Context

The word "cheek" primarily functions as a noun, referring to a part of the face or, figuratively, to impudent behavior. Ludwig provides examples illustrating both senses. It can also function as a verb when used to describe being impudent towards someone.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "cheek" is a versatile term with two primary meanings: the side of the face and impudence. As Ludwig demonstrates, it is grammatically correct and frequently used in various contexts, predominantly in News & Media. When denoting impudence, choosing stronger synonyms may be preferable in formal writing. Ludwig AI confirms its accurate and applicable usage across a variety of sentences, ensuring clarity and appropriateness. When referring to the face, it's descriptive; to boldness, it expresses disapproval.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impudence

Emphasizes the disrespectful or brazen behavior associated with one meaning of "cheek".

impertinence

Stresses the rudeness and lack of respect conveyed.

audacity

Highlights the boldness and daring aspect, similar to "impudence" but with a slightly different connotation.

nerve

Implies a kind of boldness or courage, sometimes in a negative or impudent way.

side of face

Focuses specifically on the anatomical aspect, omitting any connotation of impudence or boldness.

sass

Suggests a spirited and disrespectful attitude or remark.

brass neck

Highlights the boldness and effrontery of someone's actions.

brass

Emphasizes the boldness and audacity, often in a context of disrespect.

face

Refers to the front part of the head, of which "cheek" is a part.

buttock

Refers to the posterior anatomy, a specific, anatomical alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "cheek" in a sentence?

You can use "cheek" to refer to the side of your face, as in, "She kissed him on the cheek". Alternatively, you can use it to describe impudence, as in, "He had the cheek to ask for a raise after being late all week".

What can I say instead of "cheek" (impudence)?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "impudence", "audacity", or "nerve".

When is it appropriate to use "cheek" to mean impudence?

"Cheek" is appropriate in informal contexts where a slightly playful or humorous tone is acceptable. In formal writing, a more direct term like "impertinence" might be preferable.

Is it correct to say "cheek by jowl"?

Yes, "cheek by jowl" is an idiomatic expression meaning closely side by side or in close proximity. For example, "The houses were built cheek by jowl along the narrow street".