Greasers

/ˈɡriːzərz/ noun

Definition

People or machines that apply grease to equipment for lubrication, or the plural of the slur 'greaser.'

Etymology

From 'grease' + '-er' (agent suffix); primarily a neutral term for workers or devices that lubricate machinery, though it can also refer to the offensive ethnic slur in plural form.

Kelly Says

In industrial and mechanical contexts, 'greasers' were (and are) essential workers who kept machinery running by regularly lubricating every joint and bearing. Railroad workers, mechanics, and factory hands took pride in being skilled greasers, though the job was dirty and the term later became associated with the stereotype.

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