limey

American  

[lahy-mee] / ˈlaɪ mi /

noun

plural

limeys

1. a British sailor.

2. a British ship.

3. a British person.

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adjective

1. British.

limey British  

/ ˈlaɪmɪ /

noun

1. a British person

2. a British sailor or ship

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adjective

1. British

Sensitive Note

This term (and the earlier lime-juicer ) was probably first applied by Americans to British sailors, used with disparaging intent and perceived as insulting. Historically, it also referred to a British immigrant in Australia. Later it became a more neutral nickname for any British person.

Etymology

Origin of limey

First recorded in 1885–90; lime-juicer, -y ²

Example Sentences

Or make a meal of appetizers and salads: consider bright, refreshing, limey chicken or pork laab with lots of purple-edged shallot, sweet onion and peppery scallions.

From Seattle Times • May 20, 2022

It tasted like creamy and minty and limey and — hallelujah! — generally delicious.

From Washington Post • Feb. 8, 2022

For a make-ahead, crowd-friendly drink, make this limey panela punch.

From Salon • Jul. 12, 2021

Soft or crunchy tortillas, fresh cilantro, limey radishes and onions and the rest of that jalapeño, if you like it hot.

From New York Times • Oct. 26, 2018

Not far away a stream flows out of a limey cave, rushes to the edge, and plunges off.

From "On the Far Side of the Mountain" by Jean Craighead George