SAEDNEWS: The expression “greasing someone’s mustache” is a common proverb in the Persian language that is still widely used today. It is used when someone offers a bribe to another person in order to get something done or to gain an advantage or special benefit.
According to the Saed News analytical report:
In the past, this expression meant taking something from someone, but today it is used to mean giving a bribe. If you are interested in knowing where the phrase “to oil someone’s mustache” comes from and the story behind it, read on.
In earlier times, having a mustache and beard was very common among men, and it was rare to find a man who shaved them completely. Prominent men, scholars, and scientists usually had long mustaches and beards. To appear well-groomed, they would trim and style them like the hair on their head, or dye them with henna.
During the Safavid era, having a mustache became especially popular among men. People tried to grow longer and more curled mustaches than others, competing in this regard.
Safavid men, especially kings such as Shah Abbas, used special oils to make their mustaches shiny and well-shaped. Gradually, having an impressive mustache became a royal fashion tradition that continued into the Qajar era.
For example, Naser al-Din Shah had long, curled mustaches, and his son Mozaffar al-Din Shah was also very fond of long, curled mustaches. He even employed a man named Abolqasem to clean and groom his hair and mustache, accompanying him on trips abroad. Abolqasem Khan would carefully oil the king’s mustache and curl it upward with great skill.
It is said that when Mozaffar al-Din Shah’s mustache was oiled and he looked at himself in the mirror, he became very pleased and, in that joyful mood, would grant the requests of those around him.
Courtiers and close attendants gradually took advantage of this habit. Whenever they saw Abolqasem Khan going to the Shah’s chamber, they would quickly rush to the royal hall and present their requests. The Shah, in his pleased state, would approve them one by one.
In this way, the expression “to oil someone’s mustache” gradually entered everyday language and became a proverb. Today, it is used when someone gives a bribe or does a favor in order to gain advantage or approval.
