Greasy

/ˈɡriːzi/

adjectiveBeginner📊CommonPhysical Quality
2 meanings1 idiom/phrase2 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Covered or stained with grease or oil.

/ˈɡriːzi/

adjectivenegativeBeginner
Physical Quality

Covered or marked with grease or oil.

The kitchen floor was greasy after the accident.

💡 Simply: Imagine you're eating a burger and it's so oily that it's leaving marks on your fingers and the wrapper. That's greasy!

👶 For kids: Like when your hands are all slippery from eating something yummy, like french fries!

More Examples

2

She wiped her greasy hands on a paper towel.

3

The fried chicken was delicious, but a little greasy.

How It's Used

Culinary

"The burger was so greasy that it dripped onto my hands."

Mechanics

"He wiped the greasy oil from his hands with a rag."

2

Characterized by excessive flattery or insincere behavior.

/ˈɡriːzi/

adjectivenegativemedium
Behavior

Characterized by excessive flattery or insincerity.

The politician's greasy charm failed to win over the skeptical voters.

💡 Simply: Sometimes people are *too* nice and try to butter you up. Like when someone gives you a bunch of compliments so that you will let them borrow your favorite toy. That is being greasy.

👶 For kids: When someone is trying too hard to be nice, like they want something from you!

More Examples

2

I'm wary of his greasy compliments.

3

He gave her a greasy smile and offered her a date.

How It's Used

Informal

"His greasy compliments made me uncomfortable."

Tip:Imagine someone being overly friendly, like they want something from you. It's as if they are trying to 'slick' their way into your good graces.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Idioms & expressions

greasy spoon

A small, inexpensive restaurant or diner, often serving simple, inexpensive meals.

"We went to a greasy spoon for breakfast."

From Middle English *greasy*, derived from *grease* + -*y*. Grease itself comes from Old French *graisse*, from Latin *crassus* ('thick, fat').

The word has been used since the early 16th century to describe things covered in grease.

Memory tip

Think of a fried food that leaves a slick feeling on your fingers.

Word Origin

LanguageOld French
Original meaning

"thick, fat"

greasy foodgreasy handsgreasy oilgreasy spoon (restaurant)greasy smile

Common misspellings

greazygreasie

Usage

60%Spoken
40%Written