I often say to people 'Don't be a cheeky monkey' or 'You cheeky monkey', the inference being that they are taking liberties or making a fuss of nothing. I do this to all regardless of race or colour and I've never been rebuked. If someone doesn't understand my idiomatic language I usually get a polite enquiry into what I actually meant.
Debates not your strong point is it? I'm suprised you answered with swear words and not monosyllabic tones.
My little grand-daughter called me a cheeky monkey last week! I sat her on the naughty step and told her if she didn't apologise she wouldn't get her favourite, a tube of Rowntree's fruit pastilles! I suppose being a grown up Clattenberk wont be tempted by sweeties!
