What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sauciness
Example
She responded with sauciness when he asked her out on a date. [sauciness: noun]
Example
He was known for his saucy remarks and behavior at work. [saucy: adjective]
cheekiness
Example
The child showed cheekiness by sticking out his tongue at the teacher. [cheekiness: noun]
Example
She had a cheeky smile on her face when she made the joke. [cheeky: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Cheekiness is more commonly used than sauciness in everyday language, especially in American English. However, both words are less common and may not be familiar to beginner ESL learners.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sauciness and cheekiness?
Both sauciness and cheekiness are informal words that are typically used in casual or playful contexts. They are not appropriate for formal or professional situations.