'cheeky' originates from English, specifically the word 'cheek' + the suffix '-y', where 'cheek' meant 'the side of the face' and, by extension in slang use, 'impudence' or 'boldness'.

'cheeky' changed from Middle English forms related to 'cheek' (from Old English 'ceace' / 'ceace' meaning 'cheek, side of the face') and eventually became the modern English adjective 'cheeky' through the addition of the adjectival suffix '-y'.

Initially it meant 'of or relating to the cheek (the side of the face)', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'impudent, boldly disrespectful', often with a playful nuance.