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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
Holly V. Hays, The Indianapolis Star, 2 Oct. 2024
The greasy spoon is a sublime choice, offering up great patties for under $10 since 2005.
—Justin Kaufmann, Axios, 17 Sep. 2024
Though you might be led to believe otherwise by the name, Health Camp is an old-school greasy spoon beloved by generations since 1949.
—Cynthia J Drake, Southern Living, 10 Sep. 2024
History has shown than when people listen to my music, money tends to flow to bartenders, race tracks, late night greasy spoons, bail bondsman, go kart tracks, tractor pulls, football games, peep shows and several black market vices.
—Victoria Moorwood, The Enquirer, 12 June 2024
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 5 Nov. 2024.
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