Several stories and media titles use the word "oiled," ranging from ancient folklore to modern thrillers and dramas. Featured Media & Literature

: Many stories set in ancient Asia use the "oiled paper umbrella" as a symbol of romance, protection, or parting.

: A short story by Jeffery Weaver featuring LA detective Darius Clayton. The plot involves a homicide investigation where the detective suspects "synthetic humans" are violating safety protocols.

: Used to describe the gritty, slick environment of machine shops or rain-soaked city streets in detective fiction.

The term is also frequently used in literature to describe specific atmospheres or character traits: