greasy spoon
Word Rarity
Rare
Frequency: 3.31 in modern English
17
Scrabble Score
11
Letters
1
Syllables
9
Unique Chars
Meaning
noun
An inexpensive diner or other informal restaurant, especially one specializing in frying or grilling.
Informal
Example Sentences
- "We found a good little greasy spoon down a side street."
- "I find that most gay men love to cook for others but would rather visit any greasy spoon than eat by themselves."
- "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."
- "Reward yourself for a week of healthful eating with breakfast at a greasy spoon. Nutritionists say an occasional cheat meal can make it easier to stick with a healthy diet."
Etymology
American English, 1920s.