limeys

Limeys is a historical nickname for British sailors, especially those of the Royal Navy. It derives from the long-standing practice of provisioning sailors with citrus juice to prevent scurvy, a disease caused by vitamin C deficiency.

Origin and usage: Scurvy caused high mortality on long sea voyages before the large-scale use of citrus. In the mid-18th century, James Lind conducted one of the first controlled experiments showing that fruit, particularly citrus, could prevent scurvy. Following these findings, the Royal Navy gradually adopted citrus-based rations. By the late 18th and early 19th centuries, lime or lemon juice became a routine part of naval provisions to maintain sailors’ health. The term limey spread from this practice and came to refer to British sailors in American and other maritime contexts.

Etymology and connotations: The nickname is rooted in the citrus habit, but it is largely historical. Today it is considered outdated and can be viewed as a historical stereotype or mildly pejorative, depending on context. In contemporary writing about naval history, it is typically used descriptively rather than as a current ethnonym.

Impact: The citrus ration helped reduce scurvy on long voyages, contributing to improvements in maritime health and the operational effectiveness of the Royal Navy during the Age of Sail. The word limey survives mainly in historical references and literary depictions of the period.

See also: scurvy, vitamin C, James Lind, Royal Navy.