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The Royal Navy fed it's sailors limes in the days of sail when voyages took much longer and refridgerators etc were not around to prevent scurvy.
Wiki User
∙ 14y ago
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoThe word derives from Lime juice, given to British sailers to combat scurvy
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What were british sailors used to be called?
swabs, tars and limeys
Because of a special fruit used to prevent scurvy what were English sailors called?
They were called limeys (short for lime juicer). To prevent scurvy, fresh lime juice was used on British warships.
Why do Americans call us limeys?
During the 18th and early 19th century, after long periods at sea, sailors were afflicted by a condition known as scurvy. It was eventually discovered that this condition was caused by a lack of vitamin C during long sea voyages. To cure the problem, British sailors were given a ration of limes. American sailors were amused by this and started calling the British sailors Limeys which quickly spread to British people in general.
Why do sailors get scurvy?
Because of a lack of vitamins & minerals that come from fruits while at sea. Obviously, fruits aren't available at sea, a dried fruits lose some of their nutrition value. Scurvy is caused specifically by a lack of vitamin C.
What did Britain call the American colonies?
yankies and they called us limeys
What were british sailors used to be called?
swabs, tars and limeys
Did sailors eat a fruit to cure scurvy what was the vitamin deficiency?
Yes they did. They added limes to their diet. Because of this, sailors are called "Limeys". This was because of the defieciency of the vitamin C in their diet. See the related link for more information.
Because of a special fruit used to prevent scurvy what were English sailors called?
They were called limeys (short for lime juicer). To prevent scurvy, fresh lime juice was used on British warships.
Where does the british term limey come from?
Sailors used to eat limes to prevent scurvy, they became known as Limeys.
Scurvy was a common disease amongst?
Sailors. Many long trips across the ocean left them deficient in vitamin C. Later sailors ate Limes on the ships for their vitamin C. Sailors were then known as Limeys.
Why do Americans call us limeys?
During the 18th and early 19th century, after long periods at sea, sailors were afflicted by a condition known as scurvy. It was eventually discovered that this condition was caused by a lack of vitamin C during long sea voyages. To cure the problem, British sailors were given a ration of limes. American sailors were amused by this and started calling the British sailors Limeys which quickly spread to British people in general.
What was the nickname for the British?
redcoats they were called "Limeys"
Why are people called Limeys?
This is a nickname that died out after World War II and was only used by Americans. In the 18th and early 19th century, sailors of all nationalities were afflicted by a condition known as scurvy after long periods at sea. It was eventually discovered that the condition was caused by a lack of vitamin C during long sea voyages and to solve the problem, British ships started to carry quantities of limes on long voyages, which were distributed to crew members at regular intervals during the voyage. When American seamen heard about this, they didn't believe that limes could alleviate scurvy and ridiculed the British sailors by calling them 'Limeys'. The name soon spread and eventually most Americans called British people (not just sailors) Limeys.
Why are british people called limeys?
This is a nickname that died out after World War II and was only used by Americans. In the 18th and early 19th century, sailors of all nationalities were afflicted by a condition known as scurvy after long periods at sea. It was eventually discovered that the condition was caused by a lack of vitamin C during long sea voyages and to solve the problem, British ships started to carry quantities of limes on long voyages, which were distributed to crew members at regular intervals during the voyage. When American seamen heard about this, they didn't believe that limes could alleviate scurvy and ridiculed the British sailors by calling them 'Limeys'. The name soon spread and eventually most Americans called British people (not just sailors) Limeys.
Why do sailors get scurvy?
Because of a lack of vitamins & minerals that come from fruits while at sea. Obviously, fruits aren't available at sea, a dried fruits lose some of their nutrition value. Scurvy is caused specifically by a lack of vitamin C.
What did Britain call the American colonies?
yankies and they called us limeys
Is scurvy caused by bacteria?
No. Scurvy is caused by vitamin C (ascorbic acid) deficiency. The sailors used to get it at sea when they didn't have adequate vitamin C in their diets. The English caught onto this and their sailors brought limes which they sucked on. This solved the problem of scurvy and earned the sailors (and other people), of the then world-dominating, imperialistic country, the name "limeys".
