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# cheeky monkey

noun phrase (a cheeky monkey, cheeky monkeys)

«cheeky monkey» in the English dictionary: in the primary school — its meanings, how the lessons use it, and examples, each with its tree on Mova.

## In the primary school

Source: Mova's pupils' dictionary. Licence: [Elamur Cosmic License](https://mova.elamur.ai/free/en/docs/LICENSE/). Reviewed: the dictionary the pupils of Mova's primary school read; its examples quote the lessons and public-domain tales. Ships with Mova.

### Meaning

(humorous, affectionate, UK) a naughty, rude or playful child (or adult) who is forgiven because they are funny.

### In the lessons

Used by parents, grandparents and teachers to tell a child off with a smile; it softens «rude» or «naughty»; UK, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand.

### Examples

- You cheeky monkey, you ate all the biscuits!
- «Who drew a moustache on my picture? You cheeky monkey!»
- The cheeky monkey hid his brother's shoes.
- Grandad called me a cheeky monkey and laughed.
- The cheeky monkey answered back to the teacher.
- The real monkey at the zoo stole a man's hat (literal).

### Note

It is affectionate, not an insult, when said to children. Not about a real monkey unless at the zoo. Calling an adult this can sound cheeky itself.