English Reference
adjective · noun

greasy

adj. · n.
US /ˈɡɹisi/ UK /ɡɹˈiːzi/ greasy

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.covered with or containing a lot of oil or fat.

    adj.smeared with, containing, or yielding grease or oil.

    Simple

    The mechanic's hands were greasy after he finished fixing the car engine.

    In context

    The kitchen surfaces were coated in a greasy residue that required a heavy-duty detergent to remove effectively.

  2. 02 B1 Intermediate Medicine

    adj.having too much natural oil on the hair or skin.

    adj.characterized by an excess of sebum on the skin or scalp.

    Simple

    He needed to wash his hair because it looked greasy in the morning.

    In context

    Dermatologists often recommend specific cleansers for patients with naturally greasy skin to prevent pores from becoming clogged.

    dry
  3. 03 C1 Advanced Informal

    adj.acting too nice in a way that feels dishonest or unpleasant.

    adj.smooth and slippery in manner; appearing insincere, sycophantic, or untrustworthy.

    Simple

    I didn't trust the salesman because he had a greasy way of talking.

    In context

    The politician's greasy charm failed to impress the voters, who perceived his constant flattery as a sign of deep-seated insincerity.

    unctuousobsequiousslick
  4. 04 C1 Advanced Slang

    adj.describing someone or something that is sketchy, illegal, or dishonest.

    adj.pertaining to behavior that is morally suspect, unethical, or socially detestable.

    Simple

    That guy is involved in some greasy business deals that sound illegal.

    In context

    The documentary exposed the greasy tactics used by the corporation to bypass environmental regulations and silence local whistleblowers.

  5. 05 C2 Proficiency DialectInformal

    n.an angry or annoyed look given to someone.

    n.a contemptuous or hostile facial expression directed at another person.

    Simple

    She gave him a greasy when he interrupted her during the meeting.

    In context

    After the accidental collision on the pitch, the defender shot the striker a greasy that made his frustration clear to everyone.

    Usage

    Commonly used in the phrase 'to give someone a greasy'.

    glarescowl

From Middle English gresi, gressy, equivalent to grease + -y.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry
Origin Middle English gresi
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Frequent
Updated