greasy
[ gree-see, ‐zee ]
Origin of greasy
1First recorded in 1505–15
pronunciation note For greasy
greasy is almost always pronounced as [gree-zee], /ˈgri zi/, with a medial [z], /z/, in the South Midland and Southern U.S. and as [gree-see], /ˈgri si/, with a medial [s], /s/, in New England, New York State, and the Great Lakes Basin. Speakers of New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania are divided, with some using [s] /s/ and some using [z]. /z/. Standard British English reflects both [z] /z/ and [s] /s/ pronunciations and British folk speech is also divided regionally, with [z] /z/ heard in the eastern counties and [s] /s/ in the central and western ones. Both pronunciations were brought to the colonies, where the present U.S. pattern emerged.
Other words from greasy
- greas·i·ly, adverb
- greas·i·ness, noun
- non·greas·y, adjective
- o·ver·greas·i·ness, noun
- o·ver·greas·y, adjective
- un·greas·y, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for greasy
greasy
/ (ˈɡriːzɪ, -sɪ) /
adjectivegreasier or greasiest
coated or soiled with or as if with grease
composed of or full of grease
resembling grease
unctuous or oily in manner
nounplural greasies Australian slang
a shearer
an outback cook, esp cooking for a number of men
Derived forms of greasy
- greasily, adverb
- greasiness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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