DictionaryAI

cheeky

adjective
CHEE-kee/ˈt͡ʃiːki/

Formscheekier, cheekiest

4 meanings of cheeky

Practice

  1. 1
    playfully rudeadjectivecolloquial
    Bold and a little rude, but in a way that is often funny or charming.

    Like a kid who teases you but makes you smile instead of making you angry.

    The cheeky boy stuck out his tongue at his teacher and laughed.

    She gave a cheeky grin after eating the last slice of cake.

    UsageOften friendly: a cheeky smile. Don't be cheeky means stop being rude.

    Similarsassy, saucy, impudent, impertinent, mischievous

    Oppositepolite, respectful

    Note
  2. 2
    small treatadjectivecolloquialCommonwealthUK
    Done or enjoyed as a small, fun treat, often without much planning.

    They grabbed a cheeky snack from the shop before dinner.

    We went for a cheeky pint on the way home from work.

    UsagePut cheeky before the treat: a cheeky snack, a cheeky drink.

    Similarnaughty, sneaky

    Note
  3. 3
    revealing (clothing)adjectivecolloquial
    Made to show part of the buttocks, like some underwear and swimsuits.

    She picked a cheeky swimsuit for the beach vacation.

    The shorts had a cheeky cut that left part of her backside bare.

    Similarskimpy, revealing

    Note

Less common meaning

  1. 4
    dangerous (animals)adjectiveAustralia
    Dangerous, poisonous, or harmful. Used by Aboriginal people in Australia, for example about snakes.

    Watch out, the locals said that snake is cheeky.

    That big spider is cheeky, so don't touch it.

    UsageA cheeky snake is dangerous. A quiet one is safe.

    Similardangerous, venomous, poisonous

    Oppositeharmless

    Note

Practice

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Origin

It comes from the word "cheek" plus the ending "-y".

Checked 31 Oct 2026 · 1 fact