greaser

[gree-ser] /ˈgri sər/
noun
1.
a person or thing that greases.
2.
Slang: Extremely Disparaging and Offensive. a contemptuous term used to refer to a Latin American, especially a Mexican.
3.
Slang. a swaggering young tough, especially a member of a street gang.
Origin
1635-45; grease + -er1
Examples from the web for greaser
  • greaser commented that, during the past few weeks, there was drama with some applicants.
  • Perchloroethylene is used as a de-greaser to remove residual oil in metal cutting, and as a dry cleaning agent.
  • Long ago, horseshoe cleats were cool for guys to wear, if you were a greaser punk.
  • There were also street musicians, clothing vendors, and barbers to give guests the appropriate razor or greaser coiffeur.
British Dictionary definitions for greaser

greaser

/ˈɡriːzə; ˈɡriːsə/
noun (Brit, slang)
1.
a mechanic, esp of motor vehicles
2.
a semiskilled engine attendant aboard a merchant ship
3.
a young long-haired motorcyclist, usually one of a gang
4.
an unpleasant person, esp one who ingratiates himself with superiors
Word Origin and History for greaser
n.

early 14c. (as a surname), "one who smears salve on a sheep," agent noun from grease (v.). As derogatory American English slang for "native Mexican or Latin American," first attested 1849, so called from appearance. Greaseball in same sense from 1934.

Slang definitions & phrases for greaser

greaser

noun
  1. greaseball •Used esp in referring to a Mexican or an Italian (1849+)
  2. A hoodlum, petty thief, etc; punk: Stradazzi. Looks like a greaser, too (1950s+ Teenagers)
  3. A very smooth landing (1980+ Aviators)

[second sense fr the grease used for their typical combed-back hairstyle]