the cheeky

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "the cheeky" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone or something that is bold, impudent, or irreverently playful, often in a humorous context. Example: "The cheeky monkey stole the tourist's hat and ran up a tree, leaving everyone in stitches."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

Or the cheeky Anglophile.

The New York Times

The cheeky beggars.

The Guardian - Sport

The cheeky weirdo.

The Guardian - Music

He knew it too, the cheeky sod.

The Guardian - Opinion

Was it the cheeky country larrikin Hughes?

The Guardian - Sport

Why, the cheeky yet uxurious minx!

The Guardian - Film

"And that's the cheeky boy, look.

The Guardian

Where were the cheeky midcentury motifs of recent years?

The New York Times

But the cheeky upstart put playfulness into flying.

Independent

The cheeky loudmouth now looked troubled, irrational, even faintly sinister.

The Guardian - Film

The cheeky influence of "The Simpsons" can be felt here.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "the cheeky" to add a touch of lightheartedness or playful irreverence to your writing, especially when describing behavior or actions that deviate slightly from the norm but are not malicious.

Common error

While "the cheeky" can be endearing, be mindful of your audience. In highly formal or professional writing, consider more neutral or respectful alternatives to maintain a serious tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "the cheeky" functions primarily as a descriptive phrase, modifying a noun. It adds a layer of playful irreverence or boldness to the noun it describes. Ludwig confirms the phrase's grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "the cheeky" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase that conveys playful boldness or irreverence. According to Ludwig, it is most commonly found in News & Media contexts. When using "the cheeky", consider your audience and the overall tone of your writing, avoiding overuse in formal settings. Remember that while it can be endearing, maintaining clarity and respect is always key. When appropriate it can be a great way to imbue your writing with humor and personality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

the impudent

Emphasizes a disrespectful boldness.

the audacious

Highlights a daring or adventurous spirit.

the saucy

Suggests a lively and spirited quality, often with a hint of humor.

the irreverent

Focuses on a lack of respect for serious things.

the playful

Emphasizes the lighthearted and fun nature.

the mischievous

Highlights a tendency to cause minor trouble in a playful way.

the waggish

Implies a fondness for making jokes or teasing.

the facetious

Suggests a humorous and often inappropriate treatment of serious matters.

the flippant

Focuses on a lack of seriousness or respect.

the sassy

Highlights confidence and attitude.

FAQs

How can I use "the cheeky" in a sentence?

You can use "the cheeky" to describe someone or something that is playfully bold or irreverent. For example, "The cheeky smile on his face revealed his mischievous intentions."

What are some alternatives to "the cheeky"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "the impudent", "the mischievous", or "the playful".

Is "the cheeky" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "the cheeky" might not always be suitable for formal writing. Consider the tone and audience. More formal alternatives might be preferable.

What does "the cheeky" imply?

"The cheeky" typically implies a playful boldness or a mild form of disrespect that is often seen as endearing or amusing rather than offensive.