noun
limey
LEYE-mee
noun
1
Informal, often used in American English: a British person.
"The American sailors nicknamed their British counterparts "limeys.""
How to Use Limey
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA slang (sometimes mildly disparaging) American term for a British person.
When to use it
Informal and can come across as a jibe — use with care.
Word Forms
limier comparative, limeys plural, limiest superlative
Study it as flashcards or scroll it in Flow — saved to your collection.
Test yourself on “limey”
A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage
→
Fill the Gap
Can you complete this real example?
The American sailors nicknamed their British counterparts "_____."
Etymology
Shortened from "lime-juicer," a reference to the citrus juice British Royal Navy sailors were issued to prevent scurvy.