oily

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

adjective containing an unusual amount of grease or oil
adjective unpleasantly and excessively suave or ingratiating in manner or speech
adjective coated or covered with oil

From Middle English oylei, equivalent to oil + -y. Compare German ölig (“oily”), Swedish oljig (“oily”).

His oily chuckle was diabolic. — Nicanor - Teller of Tales : A Story of Roman Britain, C. Bryson Taylor
The man was an oily hypocrite. — The Man in the Brown Suit, Agatha Christie
Vargus spoke, in his peculiar oily voice. — The Air Pirate, Guy Thorne

greasy, sebaceous, oleaginous

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