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

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

This limey mint mojito might take a bit more effort to make than say, a two-ingredient mimosa, but the end result makes it more than worth it.

From Salon

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

From Washington Post

I love turning grilled salmon into a salad, smothering it in a spicy, limey dressing while it’s hot so it can absorb all the flavors.

From New York Times

The straw-colored Bellevue she brought tasted bright, very slightly limey, rounder than some and excellent as a foil for the buttery richness of the chicken liver pâté.

From Seattle Times