What did the term "lobsterbacks" refer to during British colonial times?

The term "lobsterbacks" specifically referred to British soldiers during the colonial period who wore red coats as part of their military uniform. This nickname emerged partly due to the bright red color of their uniforms, which resembled the color of cooked lobster. This term reflects the disdain the colonists felt towards British troops, especially during times of increasing tension leading up to the American Revolution. The pejorative use of "lobsterbacks" highlighted the confrontation between colonists and British forces, especially in contexts such as the Boston Massacre, where British soldiers were viewed as oppressors of the colonial populace.

The other options do not accurately align with the historical usage of the term. "A type of colonial food" does not relate to the soldiers at all. "A local fishing technique" is unrelated to military terminology and ignores the context of conflict. "Colonial protestors," on the other hand, refers to the American colonists who opposed British rule, thus being the opposite of what "lobsterbacks" represents. Therefore, "lobsterbacks" distinctly identifies British soldiers dressed in uniform and is integral to understanding the colonial conflict with Great Britain.