Where did the phrase 'going dutch' come from?

Question

When two people go out together, and split the bill and or/share the cost, it's referred to as to 'going dutch'...

Answer 1

i'm afraid dutch people have a reputation for being a little stingy...at least here in europe...whether that is true or not is a different thing...after all that's what stereotypes are about, aren't they?

Answer 2

The phrase "going Dutch" probably originates from Dutch etiquette. In the Netherlands, it is not unusual to pay separately when dating. English rivalry with The Netherlands especially during the period of the Anglo-Dutch Wars gave rise to several phrases including Dutch that promote certain negative stereotypes. Examples include Dutch courage, Dutch uncle and Dutch wife. The particular stereotype associated with this usage is the idea of Dutch people as ungregarious and selfish.

In Spain, "going Dutch" is attributed to Catalans, due to a stereotype that they are greedy. A stereotypical non-Catalan Spaniard would compete to invite (to treat) the group.

In Italy, the expression pagare alla romana can be translated as: "To pay like people of Rome" or "to pay like they do in Rome". It has the same meaning as "going Dutch".

Curiously, in South American countries exist the Spanish phrase pagar a la americana (literally "To pay American style") which refers to a trait attributed to people from the U.S.A. or Canada.

The gambling term dutching may follow this same route as it describes a system that shares stakes across a number of bets. It is commonly believed, however, that the Dutch reference here was in fact derived from a gangster (Dutch Schultz) who used this strategy to profit from racing.

Answer 3

The Dutch are notoriously selfish, cheap, uncharitable, unromantic barstards.

Answer 4

I think because the dutch are cheap bastards.

Answer 5

Kalikina's answer is the only one right.

Answer 6

holland