Is 'greasies' a standard English word?

No, it is a colloquial, informal formation, primarily used in spoken language or very informal writing.

Can I use 'greasies' in an essay?

No, it is too informal. Use 'greasy food' or 'fried food' instead.

What part of speech is 'greasies'?

It functions exclusively as a plural noun.

Is there a singular form?

Not in standard use. The related adjective is 'greasy'. One would say 'a greasy burger', not 'a greasy'.

Is “greasies” formal?

Greasies is usually informal, colloquial, often humorous or disparaging in register.

How do you pronounce “greasies”?

Greasies: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡriː.ziːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡriː.siːz/ or /ˈɡriː.ziːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

greasies: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Low frequency, colloquial/informal

UK/ˈɡriː.ziːz/US/ˈɡriː.siːz/ or /ˈɡriː.ziːz/

Informal, colloquial, often humorous or disparaging

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “greasies” mean?

Informal plural noun meaning greasy or oily foods, typically fried or fast food.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Informal plural noun meaning greasy or oily foods, typically fried or fast food.

Can refer to items or situations that are literally greasy or metaphorically slippery, dishonest, or unpleasant.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Slightly more common in British English, but understood in both varieties. In American English, 'greasy spoon' (a diner) is a related common term.

Connotations

Often implies low-quality, unhealthy, or unappetizing food. Can be used affectionately among friends.

Frequency

Rare in formal writing; mostly spoken or in informal online contexts.

Grammar

How to Use “greasies” in a Sentence

[Subject] + avoid + the greasies[Subject] + be + full of + greasies[Subject] + crave + greasies

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

eat the greasiesavoid the greasiesfull of greasies

medium

late-night greasiespost-pub greasiescheap greasies

weak

greasies and carbstoo many greasiesfeel the greasies

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Not used.

Academic

Not used.

Everyday

Informal conversation about diet, takeaways, or feeling unwell after eating.

Technical

Not used.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “greasies”

Strong

junk foodheart attack on a plate (idiomatic)

Neutral

greasy foodfried foodfast food

Weak

oily farefatty foods

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “greasies”

health foodsaladsclean eating

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “greasies”

Using as a singular noun (*'a greasy'). Using in formal contexts.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it is a colloquial, informal formation, primarily used in spoken language or very informal writing.
: No, it is too informal. Use 'greasy food' or 'fried food' instead.
: It functions exclusively as a plural noun.
: Not in standard use. The related adjective is 'greasy'. One would say 'a greasy burger', not 'a greasy'.
: Informal plural noun meaning greasy or oily foods, typically fried or fast food.
: Greasies is usually informal, colloquial, often humorous or disparaging in register.
: Greasies: in British English it is pronounced /ˈɡriː.ziːz/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈɡriː.siːz/ or /ˈɡriː.ziːz/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“A heart attack on a plate (for an extremely greasy meal)”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of 'grease' + the plural '-ies' like 'cookies' – but for greasy, oily things.

Conceptual Metaphor

GREASE IS LOW QUALITY / UNHEALTHINESS (Greasy food is undesirable for health).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After the football match, the lads always head to the diner for some .

Multiple Choice

In which context would 'greasies' be most appropriately used?