cheeky

/'tʃi:ki/

Thân thiện

The toddler gave a cheeky grin before hiding behind the sofa.

Definition

Adjective: 1. Showing a lack of respect or politeness in a way that is amusing or annoying: Behaving or speaking in a way that is slightly rude or too bold, but often in a playful or endearing manner. 2. Impudently bold: Displaying boldness or nerve, especially in a way that challenges authority or social norms.

Examples

• The cheeky student winked at the teacher after giving a clever but impertinent answer.
• He made a cheeky remark about his boss's new haircut.
• The toddler gave a cheeky grin before running away with the cookie.
• It was a bit cheeky of her to ask for a raise after only one month on the job.

Advanced Usage

• "To have a cheeky...": This phrase is often used informally to describe indulging in something slightly mischievous or unauthorized.
  • We decided to have a cheeky pint after work. (We decided to have an impromptu or slightly indulgent beer.)
  • He had a cheeky look at the answers before the test.
• "Cheeky monkey": A common, mild, and often affectionate term of reproach, especially for a child who has been impudent.
  • You little cheeky monkey! Put that down!

Variants and Related Words

• Cheek (noun): The quality of being impudent or disrespectfully bold.
  • He's got a lot of cheek to complain after all the help he received.
• Cheekily (adverb): In a cheeky manner.
  • She smiled cheekily as she told the white lie.

Synonyms

• Impudent: Not showing due respect for another person; impertinent.
• Impertinent: Not showing proper respect; rude.
• Saucy: Impudent, especially in an amusing or lively way.
• Brash: Self-assertive in a rude, noisy, or overbearing way.
• Nervy (informal): Having or showing boldness or effrontery.

Antonyms

• Polite
• Respectful
• Deferential
• Timid

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "Cheek by jowl": This is a separate idiom meaning very close together. It does not share the "impudent" meaning of "cheeky" but originates from the physical "cheek."
  • The rich and the poor lived cheek by jowl in the crowded city.

Học thuật

Adjective

1. offensively bold
   • a brash newcomer disputed the age-old rules for admission to the club
   • a nervy thing to say

Từ đồng nghĩa

• brash
• nervy