What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
cheekiness
Example
The little boy had a cheeky grin on his face as he played a prank on his sister. [cheeky: adjective]
Example
She responded to the teacher's question with a cheeky remark, causing the class to burst into laughter. [cheeky: adjective]
impertinence
Example
His impertinence towards his elders often got him into trouble. [impertinence: noun]
Example
The employee's impertinent response to her boss's request resulted in a reprimand. [impertinent: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cheekiness is more commonly used in everyday language, especially in informal and colloquial contexts. Impertinence is less common and tends to be used in more formal or serious situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between cheekiness and impertinence?
While cheekiness is associated with a casual and informal tone, impertinence is generally considered more formal and carries a stronger negative connotation.