a. colloq. [f. CHEEK sb. 4 + -Y1.] Characterized by ‘cheek’; insolent or audacious in address; coolly impudent or presuming.
1859. H. Kingsley, G. Hamlyn, xxvi. These men in this here hut are a rougher lot than you think for; very like they’ll be cheeky.
1861. Dickens, Gt. Expect., III. xv. 251. ‘Don’t be cheeky, Jack,’ remonstrated the landlord.
1873. Black, Pr. Thule, xvii. (D.). You are the cheekiest young beggar I have the pleasure to know.
