“Greaser” is an epithet for a Mexican that was used in the 1840s, during the Mexican-American War. The derisive term still has some currency today.
(Historical Dictionary of American Slang, A-G)
greaser n.
a Mexican (hence) a Hispanic person of any nationality; (occ.) any person of southern European birth or ancestry.—used contemptuously.
1836 in G.A. McCall Letters (Apr. 23) 298: The pervading sentiment among the defeated an disorganized “Greasers” was, “sauve qui peut.”
1846 in Ill. State Hist. Soc. Jrnal. (Summer 1953) 166: They would (the greasers) raid and massacre all th Yankees.
1847 McClellan Mexican War Diary 69: The “Greasers” had it all in their own way.
15 October 1846, Defiance (OH) Democrat, pg. 2:
He promises all the “greasers” of Mexico the sacking of Matamoras, should he be victorious, of which he seems positive.
Above, a 1934 plaque from the Big Apple Night Club at West 135th Street and Seventh Avenue in Harlem. Discarded as trash in 2006. Now a Popeyes fast food restaurant on Google Maps.
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Above, Big Apple Corner at 54th Street and Broadway in Manhattan. Google Maps. Stolen and missing, 2021-2024.
Above, John J. Fitz Gerald, from the Aug. 15, 1931, Binghamton (NY) Press, pg. 14.
Listen to Robert Emmerich introduce "The Big Apple," a hit song from 1937. Music written by Bob and performed by Tommy Dorsey's Clambake Seven with Bob on piano. Lyrics written by Buddy Bernier and sung by Edythe Wright. Audio provided by Dorothy Emmerich.
Also listen to a 1937 "The Big Apple" song by Ozzie Nelson and his Orchestra. See a 1929 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald and a 1931 photo of John J. Fitz Gerald.
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