apple grease

Noun

apple grease (uncountable)

1. (archaic, slang) Nonsense; rubbish.
   • The ‘welcome’ remark on our door-mat is apple-grease as far as yew are concerned frum now on.1927 May 22, Albert J. Bromley, “Hot Pages frum My Diary”, in Chicago Sunday Tribune, volume 86, number 21, page 3
   • It will have no more effect than a groan in a cyclone if you try to deluge your prospective customers with apple grease instead of facts, and I have always tried to make all our letters sound broad and honest with a willingness to refund their money without a battle.1928, American Miller, volume 56, National Miller Publications., page 281

Interjection

1. (colloquial, dated, informal) Used to reject an assertion, to suggest that an utterance is nonsense, or express displeasure with another's speech.
   • “Wot's tha matter? Aint that bath tub alrite?” sez Rameses. “Sertainly, yuh dam fool!” snorted Pharaoah; “that's why I'm reciprocating.” “Aw, apple-grease!” howled Rameses; “I know yer daughter pritty well, an' I klaim yew are retaliating!”1927, Albert J. Bromley, “Men Wot Histery Have Overlooked”, in Tha Return Uv Snowshoe Al, Minton, Balch, page 97
   • “You ain't my mama,” explains the brat to me, “you’re my papa.”
     “APPLE-GREASE!” says I. “Don't take my little brother seriously, girls—he makes some rash remarks at times.”1929 March, Albert J. Bromley, “My Wife Went Back to Work”, in The New McClure’s, page 27