cheeky
cheeky — adjective
1. behaving or speaking in a way that shows mild disrespect or a lack of politeness
behaving or speaking in a way that shows mild disrespect or a lack of politeness, but done playfully so that most people find it funny rather than hurtful.
Theo's cheeky remark made his sister laugh, even though their mother frowned.
collocation: cheeky remark
The teacher tried hard not to smile at the boy's cheeky answer.
Leila sent a cheeky text to her cousin, joking about the burnt dinner.
A cheeky note on the fridge asked who had eaten the last yogurt.
Kofi had a cheeky way of asking difficult questions that made everyone laugh.
- impudent
more formal and stronger; implies genuine disrespect rather than playful boldness
- impertinent
more formal; suggests overfamiliarity or not showing proper respect to someone in authority
- saucy
similarly playful but often with a slightly flirtatious or lively tone
- mischievous
focuses on causing trouble in a playful way, without the element of disrespect toward others
- polite
showing good manners and respect, the opposite of being cheeky
- respectful
showing proper regard for others' feelings or authority
文法句型
be + cheeky (to someone)
a cheeky + noun
用法筆記
Often describes a remark, facial expression, or piece of behaviour. The speaker typically finds the behaviour amusing rather than offensive. Common in British and Australian English but less frequent in American usage.