Greasy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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greasy

[หˆษกriหzi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

food

Covered with or resembling grease; oily or slippery. Greasy foods are high in fat and can contribute to health problems.

Synonyms

fatty, oily, slick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
greasy

Describing food that has too much fat or oil, or objects covered in a slippery substance.

  • The fries were too greasy to finish
  • His hands were greasy after fixing the car
oily

Describing food with a lot of oil, or objects covered or soaked in oil. Can also refer to skin types.

  • The pizza was too oily for my taste
  • Her skin becomes oily in hot weather
fatty

Referring to food high in fat content. Usually used when discussing diet or health.

  • She avoids eating fatty meats
  • Fatty foods can lead to health issues
slick

Describing something smooth and slippery, often used for surfaces or objects. Can also mean stylish in a positive or negative way.

  • The road was slick after the rain
  • He gave a slick presentation to the board

Examples of usage

  • The greasy pizza left an oily residue on my fingers.
  • French fries are often considered greasy because they are deep fried in oil.
Context #2 | Adjective

hair

Having a shiny or slick appearance due to an excess of natural oils. Greasy hair can be a result of poor hygiene or overactive sebaceous glands.

Synonyms

oily, shiny, slick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
greasy

Typically used to describe something covered with a thick, slick substance, common with food or surfaces. Can also have a negative connotation when referring to someone's appearance or behavior.

  • The french fries were so greasy that they left a stain on the napkin
  • His hair looked greasy because he hadn't washed it in days
oily

Often used to describe something that has oil on it or contains a lot of oil. Can refer to food, skin, or machinery. 'Oily' often has a slightly more neutral or technical connotation compared to 'greasy'.

  • The mechanic's hands were oily after working on the engine
  • People with oily skin often use special face cleansers
slick

Usually describes something that is smooth and slippery, often due to a layer of liquid. Can also be used to describe someone who is very smooth or clever in a somewhat cunning way.

  • The roads were slick after the rain
  • He was a slick salesperson, always knowing the right things to say
shiny

Describes something that reflects light and has a bright, clean surface. Rarely has a negative connotation and is often used in a more positive sense.

  • Her new shoes were shiny and polished
  • The kitchen countertop looked shiny after it was cleaned

Examples of usage

  • She needed to wash her greasy hair to make it look presentable.
  • After a few days without showering, his hair became greasy and unmanageable.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary

  • Certain cooking methods, like frying, often create greasy foods, such as french fries or fried chicken.
  • Some cuisines, particularly Southern and fast food, are known for their love of and reliance on greasy dishes.

Pop Culture

  • Greasy foods are often humorously portrayed in movies as โ€˜badโ€™ for health, contrasting with healthier options.
  • The iconic musical โ€˜Greaseโ€™ highlights 1950s culture where 'greasy' hairstyles and leather jackets became fashion symbols.

Science and Health

  • Greasy foods typically contain high levels of saturated fats, which can impact heart health in excess.
  • The human body uses fats as a vital energy source, but too much greasy food can lead to obesity and related health issues.

Psychology

  • Some studies suggest that the texture and greasiness of food can influence our appetite and food choices.
  • People often associate greasy foods with comfort or indulgence, linking them to positive emotional states or nostalgia.

Origin of 'greasy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English word 'grฤ“os', which means 'fat' or 'to smear'.
  • The root of 'greasy' can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word '*gras', which refers to fat or grease.

The word 'greasy' dates back to the mid-14th century, derived from the Old French word 'graisse', meaning 'fat, grease, lard'. Over the years, 'greasy' has been used to describe anything covered in or resembling grease or oil. The negative connotations associated with the word often relate to unhealthy or dirty conditions.


See also: greasiness, greasing.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,656, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.