The word "cheeky" describes someone who is boldly disrespectful or impudent in a playful or lively way. It often carries a light-hearted or teasing connotation, suggesting a sense of humor in the attitude. For example, a cheeky remark is a witty comment that may be a bit rude but is intended to be funny rather than offensive.
The term "cheeky" originated in British English in the late 19th century, derived from the word "cheek," which refers to boldness or impudence. The suffix "-y" is often used in English to form adjectives, indicating a quality related to the root word.