what a cheek

[Mnemon]

Which one do you normally say when you'd want to convey the idea? What a cheek or what cheek?

The above screenshot has been taken from Longman Dictionary.

 

[probus]

In my region I feel that the one with "a" is very rare. Actually, in AmE we tend to use nerve rather than cheek. Examples:

1. You've got a lot of nerve to ask her that.
2. He's got the nerve of Dick Tracy.

Even though the comic strip Dick Tracy is long gone, 2 is still used.

 

[emsr2d2]

"What a cheek!" is alive and well in British English.

 

[probus]

"What a cheek!" is alive and well in British English.

Yes I well remember the Cheeky Nando's thread.

 

[jutfrank]

I'd say What a cheek is far more common than What cheek. I don't think the version without the article is even right. Did you hear it somewhere?

 

[Mnemon]

Did you hear it somewhere?

No, I've seen it before.

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