Cheek Meaning
Cheek Definition & Usage
The soft, fleshy part of either side of the face below the eye, between the eye and the jaw.
Examples
- "She gently brushed her cheek against his as a sign of affection."
- "The baby had chubby cheeks that everyone adored."
- "He wiped the tear from his cheek with the back of his hand."
- "A scar ran along his right cheek, a reminder of the accident."
- "She applied a touch of blush to her cheeks before going out."
A bold or disrespectful attitude, especially when someone speaks or acts impudently or provocatively.
Examples
- "He had the cheek to ask for a raise after just two weeks on the job."
- "I can't believe she had the cheek to ignore my advice."
- "The nerve of him to speak to me like that—it’s a real cheek!"
- "She gave me a cheeky smile and then walked away."
- "You’ve got some cheek, showing up late to my party without an apology."
To act in a forward or brash manner, often in an audacious or disrespectful way.
Examples
- "She cheeked him by interrupting his speech."
- "He cheeking the teacher like that will surely get him in trouble."
- "Don’t cheek me—respect the rules!"
- "I can’t believe you cheeked your parents like that!"
- "Stop cheeking around and get to work!"
Cultural Context
The word 'cheek' has been used for centuries, originating in Old English, where it referred to the part of the face as well as to the concept of boldness or impudence. In modern usage, it has two primary meanings: one anatomical and the other relating to behavior, with the latter often used to describe an impudent attitude or boldness.
The Cheeky Encounter
Story
The Cheeky Encounter
It was a quiet afternoon in the small town of Greenfield. Sarah had just finished her shift at the local cafe and was walking home, her cheeks flushed from the brisk winter air. She paused at the corner of Maple Street, her fingers lightly brushing the edge of her cheek as she adjusted the scarf wrapped around her neck. Her day had been uneventful, until she saw him—Tom, the new guy who had started working at the bookstore. He was standing by the lamppost, looking as if he were waiting for something. When he saw her, his face broke into a wide grin. 'Hey Sarah!' he called out with an unmistakable cheeky tone. She raised an eyebrow in surprise. 'What’s so funny?' she asked, already sensing his playful energy. 'Oh, nothing,' Tom said, walking toward her. 'Just admiring your cheeks—those rosy little apples.' Sarah laughed, shaking her head. 'I’m not some little kid, Tom,' she teased, but there was no denying the warmth that spread through her cheeks. She liked the attention, even if it was a bit cheeky. 'Well,' Tom continued, 'if you don’t mind me saying, you’ve got the kind of smile that makes people want to cheek you a bit. You know, like when someone’s too bold but you can’t help but laugh.' Sarah smiled despite herself, his lightheartedness infectious. 'You have some cheek, don’t you?' she said, feeling a mix of admiration and slight annoyance at his boldness. 'Guilty as charged!' he responded with a wink. 'But that’s how I keep things interesting around here. Come on, I’ll buy you a coffee.' As they walked to the nearby cafe, Sarah found herself thinking about how Tom’s 'cheek' had worked its charm, even if she wasn’t quite sure if she should be flattered or mildly irritated. The cheeky encounter turned out to be the beginning of a great friendship—one that would thrive on playfulness and a little bit of audacity. And, as Sarah would learn, sometimes the best connections come from a touch of cheek.
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