limey

[ lahy-mee ]

noun

, plural lim·eys.

1. a British sailor.
2. a British ship.
3. a British person.

adjective

1. British.

limey

/ ˈlaɪmɪ /

noun

1. a British person
2. a British sailor or ship

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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of limey¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of limey¹

abbreviated from C19 lime-juicer, because British sailors were required to drink lime juice as a protection against scurvy

Example Sentences

Confusion over the catcher's eye black is just the tip of the iceberg for this befuddled limey.

From The Daily Beast

Maybe they needed to do that because Freud himself was hardly a true Limey.

From The Daily Beast

And I realize that I hate lime-stone, to live on lime-stone or marble or any of those limey rocks.

From Project Gutenberg

The same facts exist with regard to a loam, a calcareous (or limey) soil, or a vegetable mould.

From Project Gutenberg

A plasterer with limey overalls gazed at the wagon intently until it passed by.

From Project Gutenberg

We are a little mortary and limey at present, but we are getting on capitally.

From Project Gutenberg