# greasy spoon

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/greasy-spoon
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

An inexpensive diner or other informal restaurant, especially one specializing in frying or grilling.

## Examples

- We often grab a cheap breakfast at the local greasy spoon.
- He works as a cook at a greasy spoon in the city center.
- You can find the best pancakes at that little greasy spoon down the street.
- After the long drive, we stopped at a greasy spoon for some coffee and eggs.
- If you want a massive plate of bacon and fries without spending much money, that greasy spoon near the station is your best bet.
- The truck drivers always recommend this greasy spoon because the portions are huge and the service is very fast.
- Tucked away in the industrial district, the small greasy spoon served hearty meals to tired workers who appreciated the simple, no-frills menu.

## Origin

Attested in American English during the 1920s, the term originated as a description for a cheap restaurant or diner where hygiene was not the primary concern. The phrase identifies the establishment by the state of its cutlery, implying a layer of residual cooking fat that has survived the washing process.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.