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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, 12 June 2024
This breakfast joint is your quintessential greasy spoon, with worn red leatherette chairs and a sign limiting cell phone use.
—Cnt Editors, Condé Nast Traveler, 17 May 2023
Twenty-two years later, she’s worked hundreds more shifts — enough to take over one of Sacramento’s most storied greasy spoons.
—Benjy Egel, Sacramento Bee, 30 May 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
See all Example Sentences for greasy spoon 
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.
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Cite this Entry
“Greasy spoon.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/greasy%20spoon. Accessed 14 Sep. 2024.
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