limey
pronunciation
How to pronounce limey in British English:
UK ['laɪmɪ]
How to pronounce limey in American English:
US [ˈlaɪmi]
-
- Noun:
- a man of English descent
Word Origin
- limey (n.)
- 1888, Australian, New Zealand, and South African slang for "English immigrant;" U.S. use is attested from 1918, originally "British sailor, British warship," short for lime-juicer (1857), in derisive reference to the British Navy's policy (begun 1795) of issuing lime (n.2) juice on ships to prevent scurvy among sailors. In U.S., extended to "any Englishman" by 1924.Midway Signs Limey Prof to Dope Yank Talk ["Chicago Tribune" headline, Oct. 18, 1924]
Example
- 1. With the limey to the south seas club .
- 2. Sometimes , I do wonder whether he isn 't a limey at heart .
- 3. That limey cocksucker can rot in hell for all I care !