What does "greasy" mean?
An annoyed or contemptuous look; a dirty look.
Greasy
/ˈɡɹi.si/ adj, noun, slang
adj, noun, slang ·Common ·High school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An annoyed or contemptuous look; a dirty look.
- Grammar: greasy is listed as adj, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: oily, adipose, blubbery, buttery.
- Useful contrasts: clean, dry, ethical.
- Usage evidence: What is that greasy stuff on your shirt?
How to use "greasy"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "greasy" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "greasy" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "greasy" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "greasy" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "greasy" is acting as adj, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "oily" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "greasy", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An annoyed or contemptuous look; a dirty look. Australia, countable
"At the end of the day, when my baby is hungry, you’re going to see a boob. It’s natural, it’s beautiful, and it’s something that should be celebrated. Shout out to the dude who gave me a greasy at my local cafe last week. This one is for you."
- 2 Wool that still contains grease and has not undergone scouring. countable, uncountable
"Competition for South African wools has been very unsatisfactory, heavy conditioned greasies being at times practically unsalable."
Adjective
- 1 Having a slippery surface; having a surface covered with grease.
"a greasy mineral"
- 2 Containing a lot of grease or fat.
"c. 1795, Margaret Taylor, Mrs. Taylor’s Family Companion: or The Whole Art of Cookery Display’d, London: W. Lane, “To fry flat Fish,” p. 37, Before you dish them up, lay them upon a drainer before the fire sloping, for two or three minutes, which will prevent their eating greasy."
- 3 Shady, sketchy, dodgy, detestable, unethical. slang
"Julian: We're gonna fill the trailers up with furniture all right, boys, but we're gonna rent them out by the hour. Bubbles: Aw, that's greasy."
- 4 Fat, bulky. obsolete
"Let’s consult together against this greasy knight."
- 5 Gross; indelicate; indecent. obsolete
"Now I am perfect hate, I lou’d but three things in the world, Philosophy, Thrift, and my self. Thou hast made me hate Philosophy. A Vsurers greasie Codpeece made me loath Thrift: but if all the Brewers Iades in the town can drug me from loue of my selfe, they shall doo more then e’re the seuen wise men of Greece could […]"
Show 1 more definition
- 6 Afflicted with the disease called grease.
Adjective
- 1 smeared or soiled with grease or oil wordnet
- 2 containing an unusual amount of grease or oil wordnet
Example
"What is that greasy stuff on your shirt?"
Common questions
What is a synonym for "greasy"?
Common synonyms include: oily, adipose, blubbery, buttery, butyraceous, chrismal.
How do you use "greasy" in a sentence?
What is that greasy stuff on your shirt?
How do you pronounce "greasy"?
Pronounced /ˈɡɹi.si/.
Etymology
From Middle English gresi, gressy, equivalent to grease + -y.