grease monkey

Definition

A mechanic, often with the specific connotation of an automobile mechanic.

Etymology

First use appears c. 1910 in a translated work. See cite below. May have originated during the Industrial Revolution in Great Britain, when children were used to grease the large rotating axles which were used to transfer power from one centralized steam engine to all of the machines on the factory floor. These children, covered in grease and crawling in the tight spaces in the ceilings, were equated with monkeys.

Example Sentences

• "If you appear like a tramp or grease-monkey how can you expect to meet the people who are able to support your business."
• "Maybe some other "grease monkey," as I call mechanics, will correct me."
• "Brother W.M. Hillery resigned from his job as grease monkey and is working for Armour and Company, but as we understand he is just itching to get with the old bunch."