Posted January 29, 2014
Sachys: Misconception (my dad would have your teeth for that as a former Merchant Navyman - even in his current frail state). Heheh.
It doesn't actually refer to the British and is quite offensive to many (particularly non-English Brits of course in regards to the general American use of it; "A Limey accent" for instance).
tinyE: It's a misconception from your point of view. As it shows up in most if not all American dictionaries as a slang term for a British person then my definition of it is correct as far as being a resident of the States goes. I just have to make sure not to use it as such should I ever travel abroad because as soon as I leave this country it will no longer be a slang term for a British person. It doesn't actually refer to the British and is quite offensive to many (particularly non-English Brits of course in regards to the general American use of it; "A Limey accent" for instance).
And, by gawd, if the Oxford English Dictionary itself says a limey is a Brit, then who am I to argue with
a university in England?: http://www.oxforddictionaries.com/us/definition/american_english/Limey?q=limey
Teeheehee. But hey, if it is derogatory, then what's the proper inoffensive slang term we should be using?
Edit: not trying to be a smartypants. I searched 'what is a limey' and was led to the Oxford Dictionary definition.
Post edited January 29, 2014 by HereForTheBeer