limey
Limey (noun) means Informal, often used in American English: a British person. Example: “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.
Informal and can come across as a jibe — use with care.
Word forms
- Plural
- limeys
- Comparative
- limier
- Superlative
- limiest
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.