The spelling of the word "cheeked" is derived from its pronunciation. In IPA phonetic transcription, it can be represented as /tʃiːkt/ which means the sound of "ch" as in "chip", "ee" as in "tree", "k" as in "kite", and "t" as in "tip". The addition of "-ed" at the end of "cheek" signifies the past tense of the verb or an adjective describing someone who has cheeks. Therefore, "cheeked" means having or showing prominent cheeks - a word that clearly depicts the physical appearance of someone's face.
Cheeked is an adjective that refers to having a certain characteristic or feature related to one's cheeks. It can be used to describe someone or something with prominent or well-defined cheeks.
The term is often employed to describe a physical attribute, indicating that a person has full or chubby cheeks. This can be seen as a positive quality, often associated with youthfulness or health. For instance, a child with round and rosy cheeks can be said to be cheeked. Similarly, a person who has naturally plump cheeks may be referred to as being cheeked, regardless of their age.
Additionally, cheeked can also describe a coloration or appearance of cheeks, such as a flushed or blushing look. It can be used to denote a person's reddened cheeks, usually due to embarrassment, excitement, or exertion. This adjective highlights that the coloring is visible and pronounced on the cheek area, contributing to the overall facial expression.
In a broader sense, cheeked can also be utilized metaphorically to convey a bold, audacious, or impudent behavior. When a person exhibits cheeked behavior, they are displaying impertinence or disrespect in a confrontational or challenging manner. In this context, the word implies a lack of inhibition or fear in speaking or acting brazenly, often defying convention or authority.
Overall, the term cheeked encompasses a range of meanings that relate to the physical attributes, coloration, and attitude associated with one's cheeks.
The word cheeked is derived from the noun cheek, which comes from Middle English cheke and Old English ceace. The Old English word was further derived from the West Germanic kaukon, ultimately stemming from the Proto-Germanic word *kauknan. It is also related to other Germanic languages, such as Dutch kaak and German Backe. The verb form cheeked is formed by adding the past tense suffix -ed to cheek.