What does greasy mean?
Greasy is an adjective with both literal and figurative uses. In its most direct sense, it means covered in, containing, or resembling grease: greasy hair may need washing, while greasy food can feel rich and unpleasant. A greasy surface may also be dangerously slippery. In informal figurative contexts, greasy describes conduct, people, or institutions as furtive, insincere, corrupt, or designed to extract advantage. A greasy smile suggests false friendliness, and a greasy agreement implies suspicious hidden terms. These figurative meanings can be harsh, so the word often conveys moral judgment as well as a physical description. Greasy is used widely in British and American English and is especially common in discussions of food, skin, hair, restaurants, politics, and business. Although its literal meaning is straightforward, the word is memorable because it turns the idea of oiliness into a warning about slippery or dishonest behaviour.
adjectiveCovered in, containing, or resembling grease; oily. Figuratively, greasy can describe something that is furtive, corrupt, insincere, or otherwise morally suspect.
- Covered in, containing, or resembling grease; oily.
- Containing excessive fat or oil, especially in food.
- Informally, furtive, insincere, corrupt, or otherwise morally suspect.
"The pan was left greasy, and his excuses for arriving late sounded equally greasy."
"Greasy food is best avoided before a long train journey."
"The politician's greasy smile convinced no one in the room."
Greasy can mean oily, but its sharpest figurative edge is moral: a greasy deal is not merely slick—it is suspect.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does greasy come from?
Greasy was formed in English by the 16th century by adding the suffix -y to grease. Grease came into Middle English from Old French gras, meaning “fat” or “greasy,” which was derived from Latin crassus, “thick, fat, or coarse.” The same Latin root underlies related English words such as crass and crassitude, while greasily and greasiness are later derivatives of the English adjective.
Related word forms
How greasy is actually used
The figurative uses are informal and often strongly disapproving, especially when applied to people, institutions, or financial dealings. The word is common in both British and American English.
Easily confused with greasy
Greasy means covered in or like grease, whereas grassy means covered with or resembling grass.