VocabDictionary

cheekiness

/ˈtʃiː.ki.nəs/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

Behavior or speech that is rude, disrespectful, or lacking in appropriate deference, but often in an amusing, endearing, or lighthearted way.

Example Sentences:
  • I couldn't help smiling at the sheer cheekiness of his response.
  • Her playful cheekiness always managed to charm her teachers, even when she broke the rules.
Share & Learn With Friends

Share “cheekiness” with study groups, classmates, or on your social channels.

English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “cheekiness”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Derived from 'cheek' in the colloquial sense of 'impudence' or 'audacity' (dating back to the 19th century, referring metaphorically to 'turning the other cheek' or facing someone with bold assurance), combined with the suffix '-ness', which forms abstract nouns of state or quality.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Think of someone making a funny face by puffing out their CHEEKS while being playfully disrespectful.

Frequently Asked Questions About “cheekiness

1. What is the meaning of “cheekiness” in English?

In English, cheekiness (noun) is defined as: “Behavior or speech that is rude, disrespectful, or lacking in appropriate deference, but often in an amusing, endearing, or lighthearted way.”.

2. How do you use “cheekiness” in a sentence?

I couldn't help smiling at the sheer cheekiness of his response.

3. What are English synonyms of “cheekiness”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “cheekiness”?

Derived from 'cheek' in the colloquial sense of 'impudence' or 'audacity' (dating back to the 19th century, referring metaphorically to 'turning the other cheek' or facing someone with bold assurance), combined with the suffix '-ness', which forms abstract nouns of state or quality.