noun / verb
cheek
Disrespectful boldness in speech or behavior.
He has the cheek to demand another favor after refusing to help us.
Etymology
The inherited word names part of the face. The boldness sense uses the face as an image of unabashed impudence, much as someone may face another without embarrassment.
More examples
- Don't give me any cheek.
- The pupil cheeked the teacher and refused to apologize.
- She admired his nerve but disliked his cheek.
Forms
cheek · cheeks · cheeked · cheeking
Similar words
- confidence
- Confidence need not be disrespectful; cheek involves impudent boldness.