greaser

[Mullins, Bill]

OED has 1849

STILL MORE ABOUT THE MEXICAN WAR.
Advocate of Peace (1847-1906); Mar/Apr 1848; 7, 15; APS Online
pg. 187

"A few evenings ago, as two of the Mississippians wer going up to camp,
they were attacked by a small party of "greasers"."

> -----Original Message-----
> From: American Dialect Society
> [mailto:ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU] On Behalf Of Michael McKernan
> Sent: Wednesday, July 27, 2005 4:01 PM
> To: ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU
> Subject: greaser
>
> ---------------------- Information from the mail header
> -----------------------
> Sender:       American Dialect Society <ADS-L at LISTSERV.UGA.EDU>
> Poster:       Michael McKernan <mckernan at LOCALNET.COM>
> Subject:      greaser
> --------------------------------------------------------------
> -----------------
>
> Having searched the ADS-L archives to no avail, and having no
> personal access to HDAS or OED, etc., I wonder if someone
> will do me the favor of posting the current antedating for
> 'greaser(s)' (=pejorative for Mexican(s)/Hispanics).
>
> Noticed the following, but I assume the usage is much older.
>
> >Winfield [Kansas] Courier, September 25, 1884.
> >
> >Miss Jessie Millington returned last Monday evening from a three
> >months= sojourn in New Mexico. She reports a good time and
> quaint and
> >curious are the descriptions of life as seen among the
> ancient Pueblos
> >and the more modern greasers. She may be induced to write up some of
> >her observations for the COURIER.
>
> Thanks,
>
> Michael McKernan
>