Definition

1. Noun:
   • An informal, often slightly humorous or affectionate term for a mechanic: Specifically, someone whose job is to repair and maintain automobiles or other machinery. The term suggests a person who works with their hands, often getting dirty with grease and oil.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • My car broke down, so I took it to the grease monkey at the local garage.
  • He's been a grease monkey since he was a teenager, fixing up old cars in his driveway.

Advanced Usage

• The term is informal and can be considered slang. It is often used in a neutral or friendly context but may be perceived as slightly disrespectful if used by someone outside the trade. It emphasizes the manual, hands-on, and sometimes messy nature of the work.
  • The old-timer at the shop is a real grease monkey; he can fix anything with just a wrench and some intuition.

Variants and Related Words

• Mechanic (n): The standard, neutral term for a person who repairs machines, especially vehicles.
• Auto mechanic (n): A more specific term for a car mechanic.
• Technician (n): A more formal or technical term, often implying specialized training.

Synonyms

• Mechanic: The most direct and common synonym.
• Auto repairer: A more descriptive synonym.
• Car doctor: A playful, informal synonym with a similar tone.

Related Phrases

• "Shade-tree mechanic": An informal term for an amateur mechanic who works on cars at home, often under a shade tree.
  • He's not a professional, just a talented shade-tree mechanic.

Notes on Meaning

• The term almost exclusively refers to a person who works on automobiles or similar machinery (e.g., aircraft, motorcycles). It is not typically used for other types of repair technicians.
• The imagery of "grease" points directly to the lubricants and grime associated with mechanical work, while "monkey" is a colloquial, sometimes affectionate term for a person engaged in a specific activity (similar to "code monkey" for a programmer).

Noun

1. someone whose occupation is repairing and maintaining automobiles