What does creasy mean?
Creasy is an adjective describing something covered with or marked by creases — unwanted lines or folds, most often in fabric, clothing, or paper. A shirt pulled from a packed suitcase, a poster that has been folded and refolded, or trousers worn straight from a laundry basket can all be described as creasy. It derives from the noun "crease," which entered English from Middle English, likely related to words for ridges or folds. In tone, creasy tends to be mildly critical: to call someone's clothing creasy suggests carelessness or haste, since pressing or smoothing would have removed the wrinkles. Though understandable everywhere English is spoken, the word competes with the more common alternatives "wrinkled," "rumpled," and "crumpled," and many writers favor the participial form "creased" instead. It should not be confused with "greasy," which refers to oil rather than folds. As a rare word with a clear, concrete sense, creasy adds precision when describing the state of textiles and paper goods.
adjectiveFull of creases or wrinkles; marked by lines or folds, especially of fabric or paper that has been folded or crumpled.
- (Of fabric, clothing, or paper) having many creases or wrinkles; not smooth or pressed.
"He arrived at the interview in a creasy shirt that he clearly hadn't ironed."
"The suitcase had left everything inside looking hopelessly creasy."
"She smoothed down her creasy dress before stepping on stage."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of creasy
Creasy is formed from the noun "crease" (a line or fold made by pressing or folding) combined with the adjectival suffix "-y." The noun "crease" appears in Middle English, probably connected to older words denoting ridges or wrinkles, though its precise ultimate origin is uncertain. The adjective arose later by straightforward derivation, following the common English pattern of forming adjectives from nouns with "-y." Its closest relatives are simply other derivatives of "crease" itself, such as the more common "creased."
How creasy is actually used
"Creasy" is a somewhat informal and less frequent variant; many speakers prefer "crease" used attributively or "creased," which is more common in everyday usage. The word carries a mildly negative connotation, implying untidiness or lack of care.
Easily confused with creasy
"Greasy" means covered with grease or oily, while "creasy" means covered with creases or folds.