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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.
What else can I help you with?
What was the nickname for the British?
redcoats they were called "Limeys"
What were british sailors used to be called?
swabs, tars and limeys
What did Britain call the American colonies?
yankies and they called us 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.
What is the Irish name for England?
Limeys?
What names were the British soldiers called?
Tommies or if naval personnel Limeys or historically Redcoats
Why were English sailors called limeys?
English sailors were called limeys because the British Royal Navy provided them with lime juice to prevent scurvy during long sea voyages. The high vitamin C content in the lime juice helped ward off the disease, which was common among sailors due to lack of fresh fruits and vegetables.
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.
What is a yank World War 2?
During World War II, British soldiers and civilians referred to Americans as yanks - from Yankees. The Americans called the British 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.
Nickname given to English people?
Australian people call English people POMS ( Prisoner of mother england)
Where does the british term limey come from?
Sailors used to eat limes to prevent scurvy, they became known as Limeys.
