cheeky yam

English

Etymology

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Noun

cheeky yam (plural cheeky yams)

1. Synonym of air potato
   • 1962, Nancy Polishuk, Four Against the River, Dutton, →OCLC, page 85:

     Occasionally they were given a change of diet with 'cheeky' yams. When I first heard John and the natives talking about them I asked why they were called 'cheeky'. “Try one and then you'll know,” John said, handing me a piece.

   • 2016, Robin Torrence, Ancient Starch Research, Routledge:

     Although cheeky yam was an important food for Aboriginal people within parts of northern Australia in the recent past, macroscopic remains of this USO have not been found in archaeological contexts.