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by strange1 still in pb on March 8th, 2009

strange1 still in pb

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Why are english called limey?

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  • by Im Alec has abandoned this account on March 8th, 2009

    Im Alec has abandoned this account

    In the 18th century, a big problem for sailors on long sea voyages was scurvy, which we now know to be Vitamin C deficiency caused by living off preserved foods before refrigeration existed. The Royal Navy discovered that citrus fruits prevented the crews from getting scurvy, so they stocked ships on long journeys (e.g. across the Atlantic) with such fruit, particularly limes. They were therefore referred to as limeys.

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  • by nzguy.. on March 8th, 2009

    nzguy..

    That refers to the White cliffs of Dover which is made of Chalk or Lime!
    The Germans coined the phrase in around 1940

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  • by strange1 still in pb on March 11th, 2009

    strange1 still in pb

    thanks for the answer +6 great!

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