And I daresay mischievous is way more popular than cheeky in conversations among American parents. It clearly isn't a direct synonym of cheeky, but it could work very well for related behavioral descriptions. : boldly rude, impudent, or disrespectful in usually a playful or appealing way a cheeky grin old-timers who still look like they could deck you if you get too cheeky. (of a person, animal, or their behavior) causing or showing a fondness for causing trouble in a playful way It has two degrees of meaning, one which is much more negative than the other. Sassy - a more informal synonym, but I doubt that parents would use this to describe their kids it is more common among friends, and for some reasons, more feminine than masculine.įinally, I would say that mischievous does not always have a negative connotation.
Impudent - a more formal synonym that would rarely be used in casual conversation. Jimmy always seems to have a will of his own.Īs for a better alternative to cheeky, I do not think there is one, except you want to go for either of the following:.Our five-year-old's got some real spunk.Both words connote a certain level of confidence or bravado, but bold is more positive and cheeky is more negative.
Cheeky means showing a lack of respect or politeness in a way that is amusing or appealing. It may be that a cultural difference accounts for the fact (my conjecture) that American speakers are more likely to use adjectives (or adjectival phrases) that are more specific than cheeky to describe their children's behavior. Bold means showing an ability to take risks confident and courageous. Unfortunately, this word is not too common among American speakers. Impudent or irreverent, typically in an endearing or amusing way The NOAD definition aptly captures your intended meaning: Impolite is often used in the phrases It seemed impolite and It would be impolite.Your usage of cheeky is perfectly correct. Some people think it is impolite to ask someone’s age. In terms of definitions of cheeky, there’s the older meaning, which you find in the OED and other dictionaries, where it’s used for a child or possibly to mean they’re a little bit naughty or.Impolite ( rather formal) not behaving in a pleasant way that follows the rules of society: Synonyms: impudent, rude, forward, fresh informal More Synonyms of cheeky Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary. mainly British The boy was cheeky and casual. Some people said he had been disrespectful to the president in his last speech. adjective If you describe a person or their behavior as cheeky, you think that they are slightly rude or disrespectful but in a charming or amusing way.disrespectful ( rather formal) showing a lack of respect for somebody/something: Insolent ( rather formal) very rude, especially to somebody who is older or more important Insolent is used especially to talk about the behaviour of children towards adults. rude having or showing a lack of respect for other people and their feelings:Ĭheeky ( British English, informal) (especially of children) rude in a funny or an annoying way:
Fewer examples Youre a cheeky little miss Apologize at once. Synonyms rude rude cheeky ▪ insolent ▪ disrespectful ▪ impolite ▪ impertinent ▪ discourteous These are all words for people showing a lack of respect for other people. used to describe something that you eat, drink, or do, especially when this is done quickly, without planning, or when you should not really do it We just went outside for a cheeky cigarette.
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