‘Going Dutch’ and 4 other phrases that commemorate the Dutch in all their glory

‘Going Dutch’ is a commonly used expression worldwide. However, it is not the only phrase or saying out there related to the Dutch and their cultural quirks. 🇳🇱

Ever wondered why there are quite a few sayings about the Dutch? Apparently, it’s because Nederlanders were one of the first nations to travel the world. In some countries, the Dutch were the first foreigners ever sighted.

Strange, or at least uncommon behaviour, was therefore often classified as ‘Dutch’. Not because it was typically Dutch or anything, but because it was something people hadn’t seen until the Dutch came around. So, what are Dutchies known for around the world?

1. Going Dutch (obviously) — but how do you ‘Go Dutch’?

Going Dutch is probably the most famous and widely used expression of them all. Generally, it is used to describe the act of splitting the bill. Pretty straight-forward, right?

Not really, because there are a number of things you need to take into account. Is the bill going to be divided equally amongst a number of people or does everybody pay their own share? Do we split the food equally and pay for drinks separately? Depending on what you are planning on eating and drinking, choose your system wisely.

Whatever the case, this stereotype is definitely true. A modern and digitised version of ‘going Dutch’ is the popular Tikkie app. With the help of this app you can send payment links, called Tikkies, and charge your friends for the most ridiculous amounts. And no Dutchie will judge you for it.

2. Dutch Agreement — not for the sober mind

A ‘Dutch agreement’ is an agreement made whilst being drunk. In fact, during a Dutch agreement, both parties were so drunk that neither will be able to recall making it the next day. If you are planning on closing a Dutch agreement with anyone, I would advise you to do it without a witness. That’s your safest bet. 🍻

3. Dutch Auction — it comes with a twist!

Not many people know this one, but it’s very Dutch! How does a ‘Dutch auction’ work? It is basically the opposite of a regular auction. Normally, auctions start at a certain price and then go up until no one is bidding anymore. A Dutch auction, however, starts off at a high amount of money and then goes down until any one person stops the auctioneer. That’s the price the buyer ends up paying.

Another tribute to Dutch stinginess, that one!

4. Dutch Oven — don’t confuse it with cooking

This one is not for the fainthearted. A Dutch oven refers to one person trapping another person under the sheets after just having farted. When I first found out about this practice, (by hearing about it, not by having the act performed on me, just to be clear!), I was so confused as to why on earth this was called a Dutch oven. 😷

The only explanation I have been able to come up with so far is the odour of Dutch cuisine. A whiff of Dutch cooking and you want to run? Something like that maybe? Anyway, when a friend of mine invited me over for dinner a few months later, proudly stating she bought a Dutch oven, I was confused all over again, as I had no idea that a physical Dutch oven actually was a thing too.

5. Dutch Courage — the kind of courage that never ends well

This is the courage we are all familiar with. It’s the overly-confident kind of courage that arises after having had a few drinks. The ‘of course I can run down the street with my shoelaces tight up together whilst carrying a crate of beers’ kinda courage. The kind that never ends well. Never. 🙅

While these phrases may not be the most flattering to the Dutch, it’s good to keep in mind that most of them came about centuries ago. Imagine spending months on a boat, getting off in a foreign country, having a few drinks, and doing something stupid. ‘Watch that guy and his Dutch courage’. Could’ve happened to the best of us. Do it a couple of times and you’re famous for it.

Were you surprised by any of these phrases? Let us know in the comments below!

Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in November 2017, and was fully updated in February 2022 for your reading pleasure.