A derogatory slur for a Hispanic person, or alternatively, a mechanic who works with machinery; historically also referred to a 1950s-60s youth subculture.
From 'grease' (oily substance). The slur derives from offensive stereotypes. The mechanic sense comes from working with grease. The subculture sense emerged in 1950s-60s youth culture.
The word 'greaser' shows how the same term can have completely different meanings in different contexts—a neutral job description became a racial slur in some contexts and a cultural identifier for 1950s rebels in others.
Derogatory slur originating in 1950s U.S. subculture discourse, weaponized against working-class young men, particularly Mexican-American and immigrant youth; connoted criminality and otherness.
Avoid as slur; if referencing historical subculture, use 'greaser subculture' or 'greaser style' with acknowledgment of class/ethnic dimension.
["1950s subculture member","working-class youth","motorcycle enthusiast"]
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