cheeky

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "cheeky" is correct and can be used in written English.
It is often used to describe someone who is mischievous or disrespectful in a humorous way. For example, "She has a cheeky sense of humor, always joking around when she shouldn't!".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Although I think it's about time Howard had a cheeky affair with a rather attractive young lady.

The Guardian

But Qld still have it and Thurston puts in a cheeky kick that Hayne, somehow still alive, grounds in-goal split-seconds before Inglis gets his big paw to it.

The Guardian - Sport

He gives his competitors a little look as he goes over the line too, the cheeky so-and-so.

The Guardian - Sport

Scott Borchetta, the man who helped create Swift's empire, recently signed Maddie & Tae, a cheeky duo of teenagers that reached No 1 last year with their viral protest tune Girl in a Country Song, which criticized country music's treatment of women.

The Guardian - Music

With her round face, turned-up nose, cheeky smile and working-class Parisian accent, she became a worthy descendant of the mischievous servant girls one finds in classic French comedies.

The Guardian - Film

A far cry from the cheeky childish earlier incarnation – last seen in 2002 – the new Hamburglar is somewhere between hipster and Christian Grey.

The Guardian - Business

So it seems only natural that we should mark the advent of this bold new era of storytelling with a cheeky game of New Costume Drama Bingo.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

We were all very young, of course, but we look kind of like these three cheeky, rogueish brothers.

The Guardian - Film

Although aiming for cheeky, they came off as sexist: "We all think that the girl from @londongrammar is fit," they wrote.

The Guardian - Music

Michael Johns captured America with a cheeky smile, a voice swimming in soul and an Australian accent that made women swoon.

The Guardian

"Suárez is like a cheeky boy, he looks like a cheeky boy who can really switch on and off how he wants to be, so that is really something," Mertesacker says.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "cheeky" to describe behavior that is playfully rude or disrespectful, often in a charming or amusing way. It's most effective when the context suggests a lighthearted or affectionate attitude.

Common error

Avoid using "cheeky" in situations where genuine respect is required, as it can be perceived as outright rudeness rather than playful banter. Always consider your audience and the formality of the situation.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "cheeky" primarily functions to describe a person or their actions as being impudent or disrespectful in a playful or amusing way. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage, often highlighting a blend of mischief and charm.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

12.5%

Less common in

Academia

6.25%

Encyclopedias

3.125%

Wiki

3.125%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "cheeky" is a common adjective used to describe behavior that's playfully impudent or boldly disrespectful, often in an endearing or amusing way. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and suitable for use in written English. While generally informal, "cheeky" appears in a variety of contexts, from news articles to casual conversations. Its primary function is to add a lighthearted tone to a situation, suggesting that any offense taken should be minimal. For more formal settings, alternatives such as "impertinent" or "bold" may be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

mischievous

Focuses on the playful and often harmlessly naughty aspect of being "cheeky".

saucy

Similar to "cheeky" but often carries a flirtatious or provocative connotation.

impish

Suggests a "cheeky" behavior that is also endearing and sprite-like.

impudent

Implies a bolder and more disrespectful attitude than "cheeky".

flippant

Suggests a lack of seriousness and respect, similar to the playful aspect of "cheeky".

impertinent

A more formal and slightly stronger synonym for "cheeky", indicating rudeness.

playful

Emphasizes the lighthearted and teasing nature, downplaying the impudence.

brazen

Suggests a more blatant and less subtle form of impudence than "cheeky".

insolent

Implies a disrespectful and contemptuous attitude, stronger than "cheeky".

waggish

A more literary term for someone who is "cheeky" in a humorous and witty way.

FAQs

How can I use "cheeky" in a sentence?

You can use "cheeky" to describe someone's behavior or attitude. For example, "He gave a "cheeky grin"" or "She had a "cheeky remark" ready for every occasion".

What's a good substitute for the word "cheeky"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "impudent", "saucy", or "mischievous". Choose the word that best fits the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "cheeky" appropriate in formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "cheeky" is generally considered informal. In formal writing, it's best to use a more neutral or professional term like "impertinent" or "bold".

What is the difference between "cheeky" and "rude"?

"Cheeky" implies a playful or amusing lack of respect, while "rude" suggests a more direct and offensive lack of politeness. "Cheeky" behavior can be endearing, while "rude" behavior is almost always negative.