[mplpost] "Limey" a racial slur? - most of the origin and WHY it is

[Charles Webb]

HI

I am not sure of correct protocols in using maple post, since I am  not used
using group mail.

Re the comment of Pat Moore on the derivation of 'LIMEY'

Essentially this is correct that limes were used to prevent scurvy on some
british ships.
The reason it is considered a slur is that originally lemons were used on
long voyages to prevent scurvy, but some ship owners thought that this was
too expensive and so substituted CHEAPER limes which basically worked though
perhaps not as effectively.

So someone ' I think possibly of French origin', wishing to slight or
disparage the British called them 'LIMEYS', as a mild insult implying that
the British were more concerned with profit that the well-being and health
of the seamen.

thus essentially to call someone a 'Limey' is to insult them by implying
they are a cheapskate or mostly concerned with profit (CASH).

I hope this helps to slightly clarify the discussion.   Sorry that I cannot
remember the full derivation and who origimally used the term.   I will try
to find out if anyone is interested.

I started to use maplepost as I love most Canadian music (so I won't try to
name favourites) and the twice I have been to Canada have been most
enjoyable.
If there is anyone from Salmon Arm BC folk club I have not forgotten to
renew my subscription, just lack of time and forgetfulness, I will do it
soon.

Regards to all

Charles Webb
----- Original Message ----- 
From: <lcopple@igs.net>
To: <maplepost@icomm.ca>
Sent: Sunday, January 18, 2004 3:02 AM
Subject: Re: [mplpost] "Limey" racial slur?


> Hi Pat
>
> Its accurate.  Tony was in the British Navy before he emigrated
> here (and married me).  I also asked him if limey is offensive and
> he laughed and said 'no' its about the same as being called a
> Canuck.  Mind you it may depend on how sensitive the English
> person being spoken about is.
>
> Cheers
> Laurie-Ann
> http://www.ncf.ca/~eh202/window.html
>
> On 17 Jan 2004, at 18:46, Pat Moore Music wrote:
>
> > I happen to have a guest in my house from Britain.  I asked him if he
> > felt Limey was a racial slur.  He said "certainly not".   Where does
> > it come from?  His response: During the Napoleonic war, it was the
> > British who discovered that eating limes prevented scurvy when on ship
> > for extended periods of time.  The British naval crew became nicknamed
> > "limey" because of their habit of eating limes.
> >
> > is this accurate?  I don't know, but it sounds good to me.
> > Pat
> >
> > patmoore@patmoore.net
> >
> >
> > ----- Original Message -----
> > From: "Richard Flohil" <rflohil@sympatico.ca>
> > To: <maplepost@icomm.ca>
> > Sent: Saturday, January 17, 2004 5:47 PM
> > Subject: [mplpost] "Limey" racial slur?
> >
> >
> > > Wrote Stephen L:
> > >
> > > >
> > > >Richard, leaving aside the rest of your posting, let me ask you to
> > > >watch your language. You may or may not have  thought about your
> > > >use of the word "limey", but you chose to use it. I (and I know
> > > >there are others) take this word as an ethnic slur, perhaps even a
> > > >racial insult.
> > >
> > > I have no comment, since I AM a Limey, born and bred in the UK
> > > (English mom, Dutch dad), and at the  risk of further possible
> > > political incorrectness I feel I can call myself one. Just as Afro
> > > Americans, in their own communities, cheerfully refer to themselves
> > > by the N word. And if you don't believe me, buy any current rap
> > > record!
> > >
> > > Cheers,
> > >
> > > Richard
> > >
> > > --
> > >
> > > Richard Flohil & Associates
> > > 60 McGill St., Toronto ON M5B 1H2
> > > 416 351 1323
> > > rflohil@sympatico.ca
> > >
> > > "Always borrow from pessimists; they don't expect it back." - Les
> > > Barker, Manchester poet - To unsubscribe: mail majordomo@icomm.ca
> > > with "unsubscribe maplepost" in the body (not the subject line) Need
> > > help? mail owner-maplepost@icomm.ca
> >
> >
> > -
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> >
>
>
> Laurie-Ann Copple, radio host
> Window of Opportunity, CKCU 93.1 FM
> 61 Highmont Court
> Kanata  ON  K2T 1B2
> http://www.ncf.ca/~eh202/window.html
> -
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