How to Pronounce "limeys"
word
ˈlaɪmiz
LYE-meez
lˈaɪmɪz
LYE-miz
Definition
A slang and sometimes old-fashioned or mildly offensive nickname for British people, especially sailors, originally referring to the practice of giving sailors limes to prevent scurvy.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈlaɪmiz
British English
lˈaɪmɪz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
LYE-meez
UK
LYE-miz
Listen in Context
Some Americans used to call British sailors limeys.
They called the team from England the limeys in jest.
The word limeys comes from British sailors eating limes.
Back in the old days, people would tease British tourists by calling them limeys.