😊 Side of face 😏 Rude behavior 🍑 Buttock part 😏 To talk back

cheek

125 6.1

Rude talk or behaviour that shows no respect

noun
/tʃik/

Informal

: descaro

You don't even let us write to our families, and you have the cheek to sit there... and lecture us on good manners!

Examples

You tell your mummy to stop her cheek or I'm not taking you to the show.

Belfast (2021)
And quite a lot of cheek.

Problemista (2024)
You've got a cheek coming here.

Ty (2020)
His rude comments were filled with cheek, making everyone uncomfortable.
She has the cheek to criticize others while making the same mistakes herself.
I can't believe you had the cheek to ask for a favor after what you did.

Synonyms

mouth

vscheek

Informal

797 8.9

Rude talk that shows disrespect

covers that kind of reply but also other rude actions or words

face

vscheek

389 8.6

Bold behaviour that shows no shame

is used for rude speech or action generally, not only shameless boldness

nerve

vscheek

153 6.2

Rude bold behaviour that shows little respect for others

can cover mild rudeness too, not only daring direct challenges

disrespect

vscheek

133 3.4

Rude behavior or words that show a lack of respect for someone

appears as direct rude speech or bold behaviour rather than a general attitude

gall

vscheek

24 8.1

Rude boldness that shows no shame

is more about speech or behaviour that is simply disrespectful

insolence

vscheek

19 7.2

Rude behavior or speech toward someone in authority

is broader, covering rude speech or action not only toward authority

brass

vscheek

16 7.7

Rude boldness that shows little respect for others

focuses on rude talk or actions rather than mere confident display

impudence

vscheek

8 7.7

Rude behaviour that shows no respect for other people

refers specifically to rude speech or behaviour rather than only a quality

impertinence

vscheek

7 8.1

Rude behavior or remarks that show a lack of respect

focuses on rude speech or behaviour more generally

boldness

vscheek

3 3.7

Rude confidence that shows a lack of respect for others

is about rude speech or behaviour rather than confident aggression

sassiness

vscheek

Informal

1 5.2

Bold, lively words or actions that can seem rude

is often more direct rudeness rather than playful boldness

cheekiness

vscheek

Informal

1 5.8

A bold, slightly rude way of speaking or acting that is playful and shows little respect

is similar but may be more generally rude without playfulness

sassing

vscheek

Informal

1 8.6

Rude talk that you say back to someone

refers more broadly to rude speech or behaviour, not only comebacks

sauciness

vscheek

Informal

1 7.0

Bold playful behaviour that is a little rude

may be harsher or more openly disrespectful rather than mildly playful

abrasiveness

vscheek

1 7.0

A harsh, rude manner or tone that offends people

is more about impudent or playful disrespect rather than blunt harshness

churlishness

vscheek

Formal

1 8.6

Rude, unfriendly behavior that makes other people feel unwelcome

is usually less malicious and more simply impudent or rude

quick lip

vscheek

Informal

9.3

A short rude reply said quickly to show anger or disrespect

includes such quick replies but is not limited to them

Antonyms

respect

∞ 1.0

Polite actions or words that show you value someone

courtesy

296 1.9

Polite actions or words that show respect for other people

Idioms

to turn the other cheek

20 6.7

Choose not to fight back after someone hurts or insults you

tongue-in-cheek

Informal

15 7.4

Said jokingly and not meant to be taken seriously

tongue-in-cheek

Informal

2 6.8

Joking and not meant to be taken seriously

cheek by jowl

Informal

1 6.5

Very close together with little space between them

to have the cheek

1 8.2

To be rude enough to do something that shows no respect

that cheek

9.9

A strong feeling of surprise and anger at someone's rude, bold act

Compounds

cheek muscle

Specialized

4.2

A part of the face that flattens the cheek and pulls back the corner of the mouth

cheek pouch

Specialized

7.2

A pocket inside the mouth of some animals used to store food temporarily

flushy cheek

6.4

A cheek that looks pink from heat, exercise, embarrassment, or strong feeling

nether cheek

Informal

9.9

One of the two rounded parts at the back of the body used for sitting

How Rude

insolence

19 7.2

cheek

Informal

125 6.1

rudeness

27 1.8

impoliteness

1 4.1

Surface Forms

cheek singular

cheeks plural

Etymology

Cheek first named the soft side of the face in an old English word. Because the face shows bold looks and words, people began using cheek to mean 'rudeness' or 'impudence', which is why calling someone 'cheeky' means they are rude.