Greaser (subculture)
From The Art and Popular Culture Encyclopedia
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Greasers are a working class youth subculture that originated in the 1950s among young eastern and Southern United States street gangs, and then became popular among other types of people. In the 1950s and early 1960s, these youths were known as hoods.
Their name came from their greased back hair, which involved combing back hair with wax, gel, creams, tonics or pomade. Other popular greases used were olive oil or petroleum jelly. Some greasers worked at gas stations or shops that repaired cars or motorcycles. The greaser style was imitated by many youths not associated with gangs, as an expression of rebellion. The term greaser reappeared in later decades as part of a revival of 1950s popular culture. Films and TV shows that feature the greaser subculture include: Last Exit to Brooklyn, American Graffiti, Roadracers, Cry Baby, the Grease films, Happy Days, The Outsiders, The Wanderers and American Hot Wax.
See also
- Rockers, similar subculture in the United Kingdom
- Teddy Boy, a contemporary subculture in the United Kingdom
- Nozem, a similar subculture in the Netherlands
- Raggare, a similar subculture in Sweden
- Bodgies and widgies, a similar subculture in Australia and New Zealand
- Bōsōzoku, a similar subculture in Japan
- Halbstarke, a similar subculture in Germany, Austria and Switzerland
- Nerd, stereotypical term which formed a subculture
- Jock, stereotypical term used for male athletes, often anti-intellectual
- Preppy, another mostly youth subculture
