greasy spoon
English
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/eb/NYC_diner_Brooklyn.jpg/220px-NYC_diner_Brooklyn.jpg)
Etymology
American English, 1920s.[1] This etymology is incomplete. You can help Wiktionary by elaborating on the origins of this term.
Pronunciation
Audio (AU): (file)
Noun
greasy spoon (plural greasy spoons)
- (idiomatic, informal) An inexpensive diner or other informal restaurant, especially one specializing in frying or grilling.
- 1995, Sam DeSanto, The American Standard, East African Publishers (→ISBN), page 55:
- From the highway, Phil's looked like any other greasy spoon inviting the weary traveler off the road for a little indigestion and a cup of coffee — the same red booths patched with black electrical tape and faded formica counters lined with chrome-sided stools, a glass pie pin near the cash register, and coffee served in thick white mugs.
- 1995, Sam DeSanto, The American Standard, East African Publishers (→ISBN), page 55:
See also
Translations
inexpensive diner or restaurant
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Further reading
greasy spoon on Wikipedia.Wikipedia
References
- ^ “greasy spoon”, in Dictionary.com Unabridged, Dictionary.com, LLC, 1995–present.