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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.
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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 names were the British soldiers called?
Tommies or if naval personnel Limeys or historically Redcoats
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.
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.
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 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.
What did Britain call the American colonies?
yankies and they called us limeys
Nickname for the British soldiers?
British soldiers were called Lobsterbacks because of their red uniform coats. Colonial soldiers (technically, not soldiers, but militia) were called Minute Men bacuse they could be ready for action on a minute's notice.
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.
Where does the british term limey come from?
Sailors used to eat limes to prevent scurvy, they became known as Limeys.
Nickname given to English people?
The nickname given to English people is "Limeys." This term originated from the practice of British sailors consuming limes to prevent scurvy during long sea voyages.
