How often do you go Dutch when out on a date, or out with friends for that matter? Origin of that expression?

Question

Why can't we say let's go Italian, or French, or even Chinese? What has the Dutch done to deserve such an 'honour'?

Answer 1

The best meal is a free meal.

The origin comes from the time when the Dutch and British were at war. Many such phrases portraying the Dutch as miserly and mean were created.

In the seventeenth century, the Dutch and British were enemies. Both wanted maritime superiority for economic reasons, especially control of the sea routes from the rich spice islands of the East Indies. The two countries fought three wars at sea between the years 1652 and 1674. At the lowest point of the struggle, in May 1667, the Dutch sailed up the Medway, sank a lot of ships, and blockaded the Thames. The Dutch were powerful, they were the enemy, they were the bad guys, and their name was taken in vain at every opportunity.

The stereotype of the Dutchman among the English at this period was somebody stolid, miserly, and bad-tempered, and these associations, especially the stinginess, were linked to several phrases.

Examples from the time of the Dutch wars include Dutch reckoning, a bill that is presented without any details, and which only gets bigger if you question it, and a Dutch widow, a prostitute. In the same spirit, but recorded later, are Dutch auction, one in which the prices go down instead of up; Dutch courage, temporary bravery induced by alcohol; Dutch metal, an alloy of copper and zinc used as a substitute for gold foil; Dutch comfort or Dutch consolation, in which somebody might say "thank God it is no worse!"; Dutch concert, in which each musician plays a different tune; Dutch uncle, someone who criticises or rebukes you with the frankness of a relative; and Dutch treat, one in which those invited pay for themselves.

Answer 2

Cause the DUTCH are notoriously CHEAP!!!

I am married to one AND married into HIS family!..... LOL

Answer 3

cos it was started by dutch only to pay the share.........