Why do the English call Americans 'yanks' & why do Americans call the English 'limeys ' ?

Answer 1

maybe America are famous NY Yankees

Answer 2

English call Americans 'Yanks' as the name nickname given to the United States forces during the American Civil War was 'Yankees'. There are no definite explanations for the origin of this word

The origin of 'Limeys' comes from Britain's seafaring days. British sailors arriving at a foreign port would devour any and all available fruit in order to combat vitamin deficiencies and scurvy arising from weeks at sea without fresh food. The sight of British sailors eating raw limes must have been an unusual sight and the nickname 'Limey' stuck. Australians refer to Brits as 'Pomeys' - this is derived from Pomegranate fruits for much the same reason.

Answer 3

I have never heard an American call a Englishmen a "limey" before. I can help with the other part though.
Englishmen call Americans "yanks" because they called themselves the "Yankees" at one point in history. Also, they have had the Yankees baseball team since the 1800's and baseball is considered the "American past time".

Answer 4

Because during the revolutionary war americans were yankees, seen as rebels, and the English used to be one of the strongest naval countries, and during long voyages the men used to eat limes to keep there intake of vitamin C. So they were stuck with being called limey

Answer 5

I guess nicknames are more appealing than the actual names.

Answer 6

And if either of you come to South Africa, we call you a 'Sout-Piel'

Answer 7

well i have never heard that befor but gussing therejust names they call us its not bad

Answer 8

Good question but i dont have an answer to it.