Greasy: Definitions, Connotations, and Usage

Greasy (adjective) has literal and figurative senses:

1. Literal – coated with or resembling grease/oil:
   • Slippery, smeared ("greasy fingers").
   • Oily/fatty in taste/appearance ("greasy burger," "greasy hair").
   • Producing much grease ("greasy skin," "greasy spoon" diner).
2. Figurative (slang):
   • Morally corrupt, dishonest, sleazy ("a greasy politician," "greasy lawyer").
   • Insincerely ingratiating ("greasy charm").

Related Terms

• Grease (noun/verb), greasiness (noun), greaseproof, degrease.
• Synonyms (literal): oily, fatty, slick, unctuous, oleaginous.
• Synonyms (figurative): slimy, slippery, shady, crooked, oily-tongued.

Context clarifies intent; the figurative sense is distinctly pejorative.