CHEEK Meaning and
Definition
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Cheek is a noun that has multiple definitions, both anatomical and metaphorical, depending on the context in which it is used.
Anatomically, the cheek refers to the lateral surface of the face between the nose and the ear. It is typically soft and fleshy, encompassing the area from the lower eyelid to the jawline. The cheeks serve various functions, including providing facial expression, cushioning the bones of the face, and supporting the structures of the mouth.
In a metaphorical sense, cheek can refer to impudence or audacity. It represents a bold or disrespectful verbal or behavioral attitude, often exhibited with a touch of humor or playfulness. When someone is said to have "cheek," it implies they are being daring or insolent, pushing the boundaries of what is considered appropriate. It can also be used in a colloquial manner to describe someone who is witty, quick with comebacks, or clever in their remarks.
Additionally, cheek can also refer to the fleshy part of the buttock. This usage is particularly prevalent in British English, where "bum" or "backside" are more commonly used in American English.
In summary, cheek refers to the fleshy lateral part of the face, an audacious or impudent attitude, or the buttock. The appropriate meaning can be determined based on the context in which the term is used.
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The side of the face below either eye.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for CHEEK *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for CHEEK
Etymology of CHEEK
The word "cheek" has an interesting etymology. It can be traced back to the Old English word "ceace", which referred to the human jawbone. This Old English term can be further traced back to Proto-Germanic "kǣko", meaning "jaw" or "cheekbone".
In Old English, the term "cheek" also encompassed the meaning of the fleshy part of the face that covers the jawbone. The word "cheek" continued to evolve over time, eventually adopting its current usage referring to the fleshy part of the face that forms the sides of the mouth.
It is worth noting that the word "cheek" might have some influences from other related languages. For instance, in Old Norse, the term "kinn" had a similar meaning to "cheek", which suggests possible connections between the two words.
Idioms with the word CHEEK
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tongue in cheek
The idiom "tongue in cheek" means that someone is speaking or writing something in a way that is not meant to be taken seriously or literally. In other words, it refers to a statement or remark that is meant to be humorous, ironic, or sarcastic, often with a concealed or subtle meaning.
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with your tongue in your cheek, at tongue in cheek
The idiom "with your tongue in your cheek" or "tongue in cheek" is used to describe a statement, statement or action that is meant to be humorous or ironic, often containing a hidden meaning or sarcasm. It usually indicates that the speaker doesn't intend to be taken seriously and is making a joke or mocking something in a lighthearted manner.
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(with) tongue in cheek
The idiom "(with) tongue in cheek" means to speak or write something in a lighthearted or joking manner, often with a hint of sarcasm or irony. It suggests that the statement should not be taken seriously, and the speaker is not being completely sincere or genuine.
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with your tongue in your cheek
The idiom "with your tongue in your cheek" is used to describe a statement or action made in a way that is meant to be humorous, ironic, or not entirely sincere. It typically involves a person saying something in a lighthearted or sarcastic manner, often with a hidden meaning or playful intent.
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with (one's) tongue in (one's) cheek
The idiom "with one's tongue in one's cheek" is used to describe a statement or action that is meant to be humorous, sarcastic, or ironic, often with a hidden meaning or insincerity. It refers to a literal act of pressing one's tongue against the inside of their cheek, which can create a subtle, wry smile or smirk while saying something contradictory or tongue-in-cheek.
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tongue in cheek, with
When something is said or done "tongue in cheek, with," it means that it is done in a humorous or ironic manner, often with a slight hint of sarcasm.
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I like (someone's) cheek
The idiom "I like (someone's) cheek" means to admire or appreciate someone's boldness, audacity, or confidence in a positive way. It suggests a fondness for their fearless or cheeky behavior.
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turn the other cheek
The idiom "turn the other cheek" means to respond to an insult or an offense by not retaliating or seeking revenge, but rather by showing tolerance, forgiveness, or nonresistance. It is often associated with an attitude of peace, humility, or choosing a nonviolent response in the face of hostility or provocation.
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cheek by jowl (with somebody/something)
The idiom "cheek by jowl (with somebody/something)" means to be in close proximity or very near to someone or something, often without much space between. It denotes being intimately close or in a crowded and cramped situation.
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cheek by jowl
The idiom "cheek by jowl" refers to being in close proximity or crowded together, often used to describe people or things being in very close physical contact or situated very closely to each other.
Similar spelling words for CHEEK
- chukka,
- chuck,
- chouse,
- chokey,
- chaise,
- cheer,
- cheese,
- chasse,
- choose,
- choky,
- cheque,
- choke,
- cheep,
- sheik,
- chase,
- chick,
- cheeky,
- chock,
- check,
- cheeks,
- chess,
- chacko,
- Chieko,
- Chace,
- choice,
- chigoe,
- cheesy,
- chiesa.
Conjugate verb Cheek
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have cheeked
you
would have cheeked
he/she/it
would have cheeked
we
would have cheeked
they
would have cheeked
I
would have cheek
you
would have cheek
he/she/it
would have cheek
we
would have cheek
they
would have cheek
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been cheeking
you
would have been cheeking
he/she/it
would have been cheeking
we
would have been cheeking
they
would have been cheeking
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would cheek
you
would cheek
he/she/it
would cheek
we
would cheek
they
would cheek
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be cheeking
you
would be cheeking
he/she/it
would be cheeking
we
would be cheeking
they
would be cheeking
FUTURE
I
will cheek
you
will cheek
he/she/it
will cheek
we
will cheek
they
will cheek
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be cheeking
you
will be cheeking
he/she/it
will be cheeking
we
will be cheeking
they
will be cheeking
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have cheeked
you
will have cheeked
he/she/it
will have cheeked
we
will have cheeked
they
will have cheeked
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been cheeking
you
will have been cheeking
he/she/it
will have been cheeking
we
will have been cheeking
they
will have been cheeking
IMPERATIVE
you
cheek
we
let´s cheek
to cheek
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was cheeking
you
were cheeking
he/she/it
was cheeking
we
were cheeking
they
were cheeking
PAST PARTICIPLE
cheeked
PAST PERFECT
I
had cheeked
you
had cheeked
he/she/it
had cheeked
we
had cheeked
they
had cheeked
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been cheeking
you
had been cheeking
he/she/it
had been cheeking
we
had been cheeking
they
had been cheeking
PRESENT
I
cheek
you
cheek
he/she/it
cheeks
we
cheek
they
cheek
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am cheeking
you
are cheeking
he/she/it
is cheeking
we
are cheeking
they
are cheeking
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
cheeking
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have cheeked
you
have cheeked
he/she/it
has cheeked
we
have cheeked
they
have cheeked
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been cheeking
you
have been cheeking
he/she/it
has been cheeking
we
have been cheeking
they
have been cheeking
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
cheek
SIMPLE PAST
I
cheeked
you
cheeked
he/she/it
cheeked
we
cheeked
they
cheeked
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