Literary notes about Cheeky (AI summary)
In literature, “cheeky” is used to convey a mix of impudence, playful boldness, and even affectionate irreverence. Characters are often labeled as cheeky to indicate both their audacious misbehavior and a kind of endearing spirit; a remark like “Don’t be cheeky!” [1] can serve as a gentle rebuke, while referring to someone as a “cheeky little beggar” [2, 3] hints at mischievous charm. The term frequently appears as a descriptor that balances critique and admiration—whether it’s pointing to a character’s insolence or celebrating their vibrant, defiant independence, as in the notion that “the battle of life is best fought by the cheeky” [4] or noting a particularly impudent retort [5]. This layered usage enriches character interactions by acknowledging rebellious behavior with humor and warmth [6, 7].
- “Don't be cheeky!” said Captain Palliser.
— from T. Tembarom by Frances Hodgson Burnett - “Where has tha’ been, tha’ cheeky little beggar?”
— from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - "Where has tha' been, tha' cheeky little beggar?" he said.
— from The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett - The battle of life is best fought by the cheeky.
— from Christopher Crayon's RecollectionsThe Life and Times of the late James Ewing Ritchie as told by himself by J. Ewing (James Ewing) Ritchie - You hain’t done a thing from the start that had any sense in it, except coming out so cool and cheeky with that imaginary blue-arrow mark.
— from Adventures of Huckleberry Finn by Mark Twain - "You're a cheeky young baggage," he said, "but you're not far wrong either.
— from The Graftons: A Novel by Archibald Marshall - You were rather cheeky, very shy, and absolutely extraordinary.
— from The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde
