Cheeky monkey Meaning in English
expression
ˈtʃiki/ /ˈməŋki
CHEE-kee MUN-kee
tʃˈiːki/ /mˈʌnki
CHEE-kee MUN-kee
Definition
A playful expression for someone who is being naughty, mischievous, or acts in a fun, cheeky way, especially children.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used with children, often affectionately; not meant to be insulting. Can be said to adults in a playful way. Common after someone does something mischievous but not harmful. Don't use in formal contexts.
Spanish: monito travieso - granuja (coloquial)Portuguese (BR): macaco sapeca - arteiro (expressão)Portuguese (PT): macaco traquina - reguila (expressão)Chinese (Simplified): 小调皮鬼 - 淘气包Chinese (Traditional): 小調皮鬼 - 淘氣包Hindi: शरारती बंदर (मजाकिया तौर पर)Arabic: قرد مشاغب (تعبير ودود)Bengali: দুষ্ট বানর (মজাদার অর্থে)Russian: озорная обезьянка (шутливо)Japanese: いたずらっ子 - おちゃめな子（表現）Vietnamese: con khỉ tinh nghịch (cách nói đùa)Korean: 장난꾸러기 (귀엽게 표현)Turkish: yaramaz maymun (şakacı ifade)Urdu: شرارتی بندر (مزاحیہ انداز میں)Indonesian: monyet nakal (ungkapan bersahabat)
Example Sentences
Stop climbing the table, you cheeky monkey!
basic
You cheeky monkey, did you eat the last cookie?
basic
Come here, you cheeky monkey!
basic
Look at that grin — what a cheeky monkey you are!
natural
You hid my phone again? You cheeky monkey!
natural
Sarah, you cheeky monkey, making everyone laugh like that.
natural