cheekiness

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cheekiness" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's mischievous behavior or quality of being bold and impudent. Example: She scolded her daughter for her cheekiness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The tweet may have been "cheeky" but there is no cheekiness in this deadly essay.

The Guardian - Books

There is a twinkle in my eye, a cheekiness in my face, and indeed I am bit cheeky.

The Guardian - Arts

The hero, a "cheeky rogue" (Emraan Hashmi), falls in love and loses his cheekiness, and the action sails along on formula, with timeouts for a few piquant details. (Rachel Saltz) 'Jiro Dreams of Sushi' (No rating, 1 21, in Japanese) Jiro Ono, an octogenarian sushi master, and his tiny, Michelin-lauded Tokyo restaurant get a flattering spotlight in David Gelb's foodie-friendly debut documentary.

The New York Times

Peake's trademark spray-painted sherbet-coloured smiley faces and recent nude football performance showcase a devil-may-care attitude that chimes with the current moment and a cheekiness that captures the attention.

Independent

"When we spoke to people who'd seen [Hope Springs], they loved the cheekiness and humour," says Schwartz.

Independent

He has an incredible sense of humour, though, whether it's making a funny quip about suffering from bipolar [disorder] or just general cheekiness.

Independent

And to men, Chris Gayle's interruption may have looked like an isolated episode of "cheekiness".

Independent

There's delicious cheekiness and beauty in Jonathan Fensom's design as little golden stars detach from the blue canopy-roof and dangle like earrings during talk of the music of the spheres.

Independent

It was Tennant's finest hour: before our eyes, his trademark cheekiness gained an unattractive note of contempt; his bravado soured into a form of self-love.

Independent

Though it does deal with old age, memories of youth, late-life fame and faded glories, this collection of short stories is charged with a delightful cheekiness, as well as a full awareness of the subjectivity of notions of justice and value.

Independent

But before long, some restaurants got a bit too big for their boots and the cheekiness began.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cheekiness" to describe a playful or mildly disrespectful behavior that is not intended to cause serious harm or offense.

Common error

Avoid using "cheekiness" to describe overtly aggressive or harmful behavior. "Cheekiness" implies a level of playfulness or harmlessness that is absent in genuine aggression.

Linguistic Context

The noun "cheekiness" functions as a descriptor of a quality or characteristic, typically referring to a kind of playful impudence or boldness. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a valid and usable term, evident in numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

64%

Encyclopedias

5%

Science

4%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "cheekiness" is a frequently used noun that describes a playful or mildly disrespectful behavior. As Ludwig AI validates, it is grammatically sound and appears predominantly in News & Media sources. It’s essential to distinguish "cheekiness" from outright rudeness or aggression, as it carries a lighter, more teasing connotation. When writing, use "cheekiness" to depict situations where boundaries are pushed playfully, and consider synonyms like "impudence" or "impertinence" to fine-tune your intended meaning. Be mindful of the context to ensure that the term's nuance aligns with the overall tone of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

impudence

Direct synonym, indicating a lack of respect and excessive boldness.

insolence

Suggests a more arrogant and disrespectful form of "cheekiness".

impertinence

Similar to impudence, but can also imply inappropriateness.

saucy behavior

Emphasizes the playful and sometimes flirtatious aspect of "cheekiness".

flippancy

Highlights the lack of seriousness and lightheartedness in the behavior.

brass

Suggests a bold and audacious "cheekiness", often seen as admirable.

nerve

Focuses on the audacity and boldness required to exhibit "cheekiness".

presumption

Highlights the act of overstepping boundaries or showing undue confidence.

boldness

Underscores the courageous or daring aspect of "cheekiness".

pertness

Suggests a lively and spirited form of "cheekiness", often seen in young people.

FAQs

How can I use "cheekiness" in a sentence?

You can use "cheekiness" to describe someone's behavior, for example: "Her "cheekiness" was endearing, not offensive."

What is a synonym for "cheekiness"?

Synonyms for "cheekiness" include "impudence", "impertinence", and "insolence", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is "cheekiness" a positive or negative trait?

Whether "cheekiness" is positive or negative depends on the context and the intent behind the behavior. It can be endearing if it's playful and harmless, but offensive if it's disrespectful or malicious.

What's the difference between "cheekiness" and rudeness?

"Cheekiness" often implies a playful or teasing element, whereas rudeness is typically more direct and intentionally offensive. The line between the two can be subjective and depends on the social context.