Definition

Noun: 1. (Ethnic slur) An offensive and derogatory term for a person of Mexican descent or, more broadly, for a person of Hispanic or Latino origin. 2. (Historical/Slang) A member of a youth subculture, especially in the 1950s and 1960s in the United States, characterized by a working-class background, a preference for greased-back hairstyles (often using pomade), leather jackets, and an association with motorcycles or hot rods. 3. (Occupational) A person who greases machinery; a lubricator. This is a dated or technical usage.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Ethnic Slur):
  • Using that term is unacceptable; "greaser" is a deeply offensive ethnic slur.
• Noun (Subculture):
  • In the 1950s, tensions between "greasers" and "socs" (short for socials) were common in some American high schools.
  • He styled his hair like a greaser from an old movie.
• Noun (Occupational):
  • The factory greaser was responsible for maintaining all the moving parts. (This usage is now rare).

Advanced Usage

• The subcultural meaning is often used in historical or pop culture contexts (e.g., discussing the novel by S.E. Hinton, or films like ). It is important to note that while this usage is not an ethnic slur, it can carry negative class-based stereotypes.
• The ethnic slur meaning is considered highly offensive and its use is strongly condemned. It should only be referenced in discussions about the history of discriminatory language.

Variants and Related Words

• Grease (verb/noun): The substance (oil/fat) or the act of applying it, from which the term originates.
• Greaser can be part of compound nouns describing specific roles, though these are uncommon:
  • Lubrication greaser: A more technical term for the occupational role.

Synonyms

• For the subculture member: Rocker (UK equivalent), hood (dated slang), tough (stereotypically).
• For the occupational role: Oiler, lubricator.
• Important Note: There are no acceptable synonyms for the ethnic slur meaning, as any synonym would itself be an offensive slur.

Related Phrases/Idioms

• "Greaser" is not commonly used in idioms. However, the verb "to grease" appears in idioms like "grease the wheels" (to make something run smoothly) or "grease someone's palm" (to bribe someone). These are unrelated to the noun "greaser."

Noun

1. (ethnic slur) offensive term for a person of Mexican descent