# oily rag

idiom · Slang

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/oily-rag
Updated: 2026-06-07

## Meaning

fag

## Examples

- He keeps an oily rag in his pocket for quick repairs.
- The mechanic wiped his greasy hands on an oily rag after fixing the engine.
- The workshop smelled of gasoline and old metal, with an oily rag discarded carelessly upon the workbench.

## Origin

Meaning a cigarette and referring to its soiled state when smokers are employed in a mucky profession.

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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.