Monday 20 September 2010

ORIGIN OF: DOUBLE DUTCH, DUTCH COURAGE AND GOING DUTCH

More word origins and meaning of the English language, today we'll talk about phrases with the word "Dutch".
Despite centuries of good relations with the Dutch people, the English language still keeps some references to the rivalry that existed once between England and The Netherlands.
Around the XV century, three Anglo-Dutch wars were fought over shipping rights and colonial territory, and at that time the English began to use the word "Dutch" in a pejorative way. Anything nonsensical or needlessly complicated was "Double Dutch". When we hear an incomprehensible talk we say: "It sounds Doule dutch to me".

Courage spurred on by alcohol was "Dutch Courage", and anyone who preferred to split a bill equally rather than treat their friends was considered "Going Dutch".

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