General
greaser
What does greaser mean?
A member of the 1950s working-class youth subculture defined by greased-back hair, leather or denim jackets, motorcycles or hot rods, and rock-n-roll.
"The greasers hung out by the gas station combing their pompadours."
Origin
1950s American slang for working-class rebel youths, the 'grease' pointing both to the pomade in their hair and the engine grease of their beloved cars and bikes. The label could carry class and ethnic prejudice, sometimes aimed at Italian and Latino youths.
Frequently asked questions
What does greaser mean?
A greaser was a 1950s working-class youth known for slicked-back hair, leather jackets, hot rods, and rock-n-roll rebellion.
Where did greaser come from?
It's 1950s American slang, with 'grease' referring both to the hair pomade and the engine grease of the cars and motorcycles these youths loved.
Was greaser ever an insult?
Yes — it could be a class-based or ethnic slur, sometimes aimed at Italian and Latino youths, before the subculture reclaimed it with pride.
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