cheekily
cheekily — adverb
1. in a slightly rude or disrespectful way that is bold, playful, or funny rather t
in a slightly rude or disrespectful way that is bold, playful, or funny rather than seriously offensive.
Mina cheekily asked whether the manager had hidden the good biscuits for himself.
cheekily + ask; mild disrespect with humour
Jonah grinned cheekily after taking the last slice of pizza from the box.
grinned cheekily; playful boldness
The child cheekily replied that bedtime should be cancelled on Fridays.
Nora cheekily waved at the guard from the wrong side of the rope.
- impudently
more formal and more clearly disapproving
- boldly
focuses on confidence, without necessarily being rude
- mischievously
adds the idea of playful trouble, often with less disrespect
- respectfully
the direct opposite when someone speaks or behaves toward an authority figure
- politely
stresses good manners rather than bold disrespect
文法句型
cheekily ask for something
cheekily reply to someone
cheekily grin at someone
用法筆記
Use 'cheekily' when the behaviour is a little rude or too bold, but the tone is playful enough that people may laugh. It is especially common in British English and often appears with asking, replying, smiling, or grinning.
常見錯誤
Do not use 'cheekily' for serious cruelty or open hostility. Say 'He insulted her cruelly', not 'He insulted her cheekily', if there is no playful or funny tone.