greasy
B1neutral to informal
Definition
Meaning
covered with or containing an excessive amount of oil or fat.
Unpleasantly slick, oily, or slippery in texture or manner; often used figuratively to describe someone who is unctuous or insincerely flattering.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often carries a negative connotation of being unpleasantly or excessively oily. Can be literal (physical substance) or figurative (character).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, the pronunciation /ˈɡriːzi/ (with /s/) is standard. In American English, the pronunciation /ˈɡriːsi/ (with /s/) is common in the North and among educated speakers, while /ˈɡriːzi/ (with /z/) is common in the South, Midlands, and among less educated speakers.
Connotations
The /z/ pronunciation in American English is sometimes stereotyped as non-standard or rural.
Frequency
The word is common in both varieties.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
be + greasy + noun (e.g., greasy chips)noun + be + greasy (e.g., The pan is greasy.)greasy + with + noun (e.g., greasy with sweat)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “greasy spoon (a cheap, basic cafe serving fried food)”
- “grease the wheels/palms (bribe)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; potentially in 'greasy pole' (metaphor for competitive career climb) or discussing unctuous sales tactics.
Academic
Rare; used in food science, chemistry, or literary analysis of character.
Everyday
Very common for describing food, skin, hair, surfaces, or a person's insincere manner.
Technical
Used in engineering/mechanics ('greasy parts'), chemistry, or culinary arts.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The mechanic will grease the gears.
American English
- He greased the pan before adding the batter.
adverb
British English
- The food shone greasily under the lights.
American English
- He smiled greasily and offered a handshake.
adjective
British English
- These chips are far too greasy for my liking.
- He had a greasy, unwashed look about him.
American English
- I avoid that diner; the food is always greasy.
- The salesman gave me a greasy smile.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Wash your hands, they are greasy.
- I don't like greasy food.
- The paper bag was greasy from the fish and chips.
- He wiped his greasy fingers on his jeans.
- After fixing the bike, his clothes were covered in greasy marks.
- She was put off by his greasy, over-familiar manner.
- The politician's greasy charm failed to win over the skeptical audience.
- A greasy film of pollution coated the surface of the water.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of GREASE (the oily substance) + the letter Y. Something that is GREASY is full of GREASE.
Conceptual Metaphor
SLICKNESS IS DECEIT ('a greasy politician'), DIRTINESS IS IMMORALITY ('greasy dealings').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'greasy' for hair ('жирные волосы') if meaning 'oily' or 'slicked back' ('зализанные'). 'Greasy' implies uncleanliness.
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'greasy' (covered in grease) with 'oily' (containing oil). 'Greasy' is more negative. Overusing it for people can sound clichéd.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'greasy' used figuratively?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Mostly yes. Even when describing food neutrally (e.g., 'greasy chips'), it often implies an excess that is undesirable. Figuratively, it is always negative.
Both exist. In the UK, /ˈɡriːzi/ (with /z/) is standard. In the US, it is a socio-regional variation: /ˈɡriːsi/ (with /s/) is more common in the North and among educated speakers, while /ˈɡriːzi/ (with /z/) is common in the South, Midlands, and sometimes stigmatized.
'Oily' is more neutral and descriptive (oily skin, oily fish). 'Greasy' implies a thicker, more unpleasant, often dirty or excessive oiliness (greasy hair, greasy spoon cafe).
It is acceptable in most registers but can sound informal. In very formal writing, synonyms like 'oleaginous' (for people) or 'lipid-rich' (in science) might be preferred.