lime-juicer

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • A British sailor or a British ship: "lime-juicer" is a historical, informal term used primarily in American English to refer to a British sailor or a British ship. The term originates from the British practice of issuing lime juice to sailors to prevent scurvy, which was common in the Royal Navy.
Usage Examples
  • (A historical reference to British sailors.)
  • (A British ship.)
Advanced Usage
  • Historical context: The term "lime-juicer" is closely related to "limey," which is a broader slang term for a British person. While "limey" can refer to any British person, "lime-juicer" specifically denotes a sailor or a ship.
    • The American captain shouted insults at the lime-juicer as it passed by. (A British ship.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Limey (n): a slang term for a British person, originally derived from "lime-juicer."
    • The tourists were a group of limeys visiting the Grand Canyon. (British people.)
Synonyms
  • British sailor: a seaman from the United Kingdom.
  • Royal Navy seaman: a sailor serving in the British navy.
Related Idioms
  • "Limey" (idiomatic): a common American slang term for a British person, often used in a mildly derogatory but informal way.
    • He’s a limey, so he loves his tea and crumpets. (A British person.)
Notes
  • The term "lime-juicer" is largely archaic and rarely used in modern English, surviving mainly in historical texts or discussions of 19th-century maritime culture. Its derivative "limey" is still occasionally used, though it can be considered dated or slightly pejorative.