Greaser
A working-class youth with slicked-back hair, leather jacket, and a love of cars and rock-n-roll.
Definitions
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.
Used as a marker of social division between rebel teens and clean-cut 'socs' or preppies.
Someone with a tough, rebellious, blue-collar style and attitude.
Greaser In A Sentence
Origin & Usage
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.
People Also Ask
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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