こしゃく

こ

しゃ

く

Meanings

usually written using kana alone

Describes someone, especially a younger or lower-status person, acting in a way that is irritatingly bold or disrespectful. Often used in the phrase 小癪なことを言う (say something cheeky).

あの子こは小こ癪しゃくな口ぐちをきく。
That kid talks back cheekily.
小こ癪しゃくな真似まねをするんじゃない。
Don't get impudent with me.

See all 3 example sentences ›

Kanji

小little, small
癪spasms, (kokuji)

Related words

生なま意い気き
生意気 is more common and direct for 'cheeky' or 'impudent', while 小癪 carries a slightly old-fashioned or literary feel and often implies irritation at someone acting above their station.
図ずう々ずうしい
図々しい emphasizes shamelessness or thick-skinned behavior, whereas 小癪 focuses on irritating boldness or disrespect, often from someone younger.

Built from

小こ+癪しゃく

Written forms

こしゃくUsage25%
Usually written in kana; the kanji form 小癪 is rare and may not be recognized by all readers.
小こ癪しゃくUsage75%
Kanji form is uncommon; mainly encountered in older texts or for stylistic effect.

Etymology

The word is a compound of 小 (small, petty) and 癪 (irritation, a fit of anger). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but it likely developed from the idea of something small that causes irritation, extending to describe impudent behavior.