General
cheeky
What does cheeky mean?
Describing a small, slightly naughty indulgence.
"Fancy a cheeky Nando's after work?"
Origin
From 'cheek,' meaning insolence or nerve, in British English since the 19th century. The 'small indulgence' sense ('cheeky pint') grew popular online in the 2010s.
Frequently asked questions
What does cheeky mean in British slang?
It means playfully rude or impudent, and also a small naughty treat — a 'cheeky pint' or 'cheeky Nando's.'
Is cheeky an insult?
Not really — it's usually affectionate or teasing, not genuinely offensive.
What does a cheeky Nando's mean?
It's a humorous British phrase for a spontaneous, slightly indulgent trip to the Nando's restaurant, popularised as a meme.
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