Useful English Word or Phrase to Boost Your English: Cheeky Nando's

Quick summary: A well-known British meme phrase for a casual, guilt-free treat meal, usually at the chicken restaurant Nando's.

What does it mean?

A cheeky Nando's is a casual, unplanned, guilt-free treat meal — the phrase became a huge British internet meme and is now used jokingly for any spontaneous treat, not just Nando's itself.

Is it positive or negative?

Positive. It's a light-hearted, cheerful phrase about treating yourself.

When do you use it?

Use it jokingly when suggesting a casual, spur-of-the-moment meal out with friends.

Examples

Example 1: Fancy a cheeky Nando's after work?

Example 2: We only went out for one drink and ended up having a cheeky Nando's too.

Question for you

What's your version of a 'cheeky Nando's' — the treat you always say yes to?

Understand British Memes Like a Cheeky Nando's

Understanding memes and internet culture is a genuinely useful (and fun) part of learning real British English. My online English lessons with a British native speaker cover this kind of everyday culture too. Check out my rates here.