Impudent or irreverent in an endearing or amusing way; showing playful disrespect.
From cheek + -y suffix, dating to the 1850s. Originally from the idea of 'having cheek' meaning impudence, which itself comes from the physical gesture of puffing out one's cheeks in defiance or boldness.
Cheeky occupies a uniquely British linguistic space—it's negative enough to acknowledge misbehavior but positive enough to suggest charm. A cheeky comment walks the fine line between insult and compliment, often earning a smile rather than offense.
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