by Limeys July 31, 2011
a British person, term comes from sailors who came to the New World preventing scurvy from sucking limes. Term indigenous to North America
by Anonymous November 11, 2002
A word Americans use to describe an English or British person. Comes from when British sailors used to eat limes to avoid scurvy. Although some entries have described the phrase as derogatory, it's really not that offensive at all, certainly nothing like the N-word, for example. It depends on the context, if the American uses it affectionately, the Briton should have no reason to be offended. If the American uses it while hurling abuse and expletives at the Briton, than their whole tone is what's offensive rather than the use of the word "limey".
American: Hey there limey, how's it going in England?
Englishman: Fine thanks, are you alright?
Cab Driver: What, no tip? You cheap limey cocksucker!
Englishman: Well in Britain we don't tip EVERYONE, you Yank twat!
Englishman: Fine thanks, are you alright?
Cab Driver: What, no tip? You cheap limey cocksucker!
Englishman: Well in Britain we don't tip EVERYONE, you Yank twat!
by ManofG April 06, 2008
A colloquial term used to address or mock british sailors, as they commonly sucked on limes to prevent scurvy. When scurvy was realised to be a common killer on long sea voyages, it was discovered soon after that fruit with a high citrus content would prevent this. The reason they chose limes in particular is that they were cheaper than oranges, and much more appealing in taste than lemons.
by Coillscath June 06, 2006
Originally a nickname given to British sailors who sailed across the Atlantic and sucked on limes to keep scurvy away.
It is now often used by Americans in two scenarios
1.) When referring to a British person, possibly in a form of endearment.
2.) Referring to 'British stereotype' (usually in an insulting way) but the insult is not specifically reserved for the British.
It is now often used by Americans in two scenarios
1.) When referring to a British person, possibly in a form of endearment.
2.) Referring to 'British stereotype' (usually in an insulting way) but the insult is not specifically reserved for the British.
Ex:
"Met a limey at the airport today."
Person 1: The people down south are so uneducated.
Person 2: Oh shut it, you're starting to sound like a limey.
"Met a British person today who was acting like a real limey."
Person 1: Here's a picture of me before I got braces.
Person 2: Oh wow, you look just like a limey!
Person 1: I prefer tea over coffee.
Person 2: Oh no, you're turning into a limey.
"You limeys are too polite!"
"Met a limey at the airport today."
Person 1: The people down south are so uneducated.
Person 2: Oh shut it, you're starting to sound like a limey.
"Met a British person today who was acting like a real limey."
Person 1: Here's a picture of me before I got braces.
Person 2: Oh wow, you look just like a limey!
Person 1: I prefer tea over coffee.
Person 2: Oh no, you're turning into a limey.
"You limeys are too polite!"
by SatansCute April 23, 2020
by Christopher LaRock July 27, 2003
Having lived in both Great Britain and in the United States, AND being educated reasonabley well, I believe that the word Limey is best defined as simply a slang term to refer to British citizens. As for all the slush slinging between anti-americans and anti-brits: I find both nations have in common the general hatred by much of the rest of the world, primarily because each nation has poked it's unwanted nose into other peoples' business around the globe at various times past and present. Its a mite silly for eithers citizens to chastise the other. Personally, I like both nations alot, AND find both to contain a liberal helping of poop-heads as well.
by American Historian March 08, 2006