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In the decades following its first use in 1902, the surrounding context of greasy spoon usually included words along the lines of lousy, wind up eating in, slinging hash, the underside of society, settle for, or rather starve. And while things haven't changed entirely, a recent wave of nostalgia has elevated the status of greasy spoons. Since the 1970s, the descriptions might contain words like fabled, distinction, beloved, classic, an institution, fondness for, and comfort food. Now you can consult a Greasy Spoon Guide and read up on Best Greasy Spoons, or lunch at a diner restored to look like a greasy spoon. Some of these eateries are now even named "The Greasy Spoon."
Examples of greasy spoon in a Sentence
Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 23 Feb. 2024
As the cooks are suddenly beamed into this realm of higher consciousness, the hyperrealistic greasy spoon designed by Takeshi Kata (featuring wall-to-wall safety posters and grimy handprints on the walk-in fridge door) completely fades into the distance.
—Bon Appétit, 23 Nov. 2021
When a Manhattan greasy spoon promises the world’s best cup of coffee, Buddy is ecstatic.
—Tom Gliatto, Peoplemag, 20 Nov. 2023
Read the full review » Golden Diner Diner | Lower East Side
Golden Diner, a Lower East Side greasy spoon that opened in 2019, is not a trendy restaurant posturing as a diner for the sake of nostalgia.
—Hannah Goldfield, The New Yorker, 4 Nov. 2023
This fashion month alone, there’s been everything from a Burberry takeover of a greasy spoon café in London, to the pick-and-mix fruit bags on offer at The Row.
—Annachiara Barretto-Grignoli, Vogue, 28 Sep. 2023
Menemsha Galley is perfect for a lobster roll, a fish sandwich or a burger, but don’t skimp on the soft-serve ice cream dipped in chocolate.
Dock Street Coffee Shop, a single-counter greasy spoon, hasn’t changed much in its nearly 50-year history.
—Remy Tumin, New York Times, 29 June 2023
After your stroll, pull up a stool at the Dock Street Coffee Shop, a single-counter greasy spoon, and recharge with eggs and home fries ($8).
—Remy Tumin, New York Times, 29 June 2023
Remember waiting half an hour in a greasy spoon to order a hamburger?
—Timothy Noah, The New Republic, 6 June 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'greasy spoon.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Dictionary Entries Near greasy spoon
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“Greasy spoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greasy%20spoon. Accessed 26 Apr. 2024.
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