HOW ,WHEN AND WHY IT CAME ABOUT ? I HAVE ASKED DUTCH PEOPLE BUT MOST HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT.
2007-12-15 06:04:59 · 7 answers · asked by phil c 1 in Education & Reference ➔ Words & Wordplay
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_courage
The phrase Dutch courage is a slang term for courage gained from intoxication by alcohol. It is synonymous with liquid courage.
Phrases using Dutch were created because the Netherlands used to be a rival to Britain (especially the Dutch East India Company), and generally these phrases containing "Dutch" show Dutch people in a bad light.[citation needed]
The origin of the phrase : During the bubonic plague of London (1665), the city was sealed off to avoid contamination. This meant no food was permitted in. The only people willing to trade with London were the Dutch, who left food on jetties and then would take the money left there. They used to steel their nerves with liquor before landing on the plague-infested shores, hence "Dutch courage." To this day, the Dutch still have the freedom of the river Thames, which was granted as a reward for their courage and kindness.[citation needed]
Another possible etymology of the phrase comes from the origin of Gin. Gin (originally called jenever) was created by the Dutch, from whom it spread to England through returning soldiers. The popularity of gin became a social scourge, eventually leading to the Gin Act of 1751 and the pejorative use of the term.
2007-12-15 06:07:56 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Dutch Courage
2016-11-04 02:34:11 · answer #2 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
This Site Might Help You.
RE:
whats the story behind dutch courage?
HOW ,WHEN AND WHY IT CAME ABOUT ? I HAVE ASKED DUTCH PEOPLE BUT MOST HAVE NEVER HEARD OF IT.
2015-08-11 21:41:33 · answer #3 · answered by Venita 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
From the Handy-book of Literary Curiosities by William Shepard Walsh: Dutch courage, artificial courage inspired by intoxicating drink, the adjective Dutch being a play upon the name " hollands," or Holland gin.
"Pull away at the usquebaugh, man, and swallow Dutch courage since thine English is oozed away." ~~C. Kingsley, "Westward Ho," ch. ix.
2007-12-15 06:23:33 · answer #4 · answered by Beach Saint 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dates to the 1600s Anglo-Dutch wars and was likely British propaganda claiming that the Dutch troops were so cowardly they wouldn't fight unless fortified with copious amounts of schnapps. The term has come to mean false courage induced by drink, or the drink itself.
2007-12-15 06:07:29 · answer #5 · answered by Sherlock 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
At the moment my avatar is just me Flamenco dancing..... I'm not very deep, there is no real meaning to my pictures.... My English teacher could say the style of dance represents the flair with with United play though... And the Latino passion of certain Portuguese gods who wear number 7..... Hey! I can be deep after all! I'm sooo getting into honours English now!!! ;-) Capaz De Todo xxx♥♥♥xxx
2016-03-17 21:08:27 · answer #6 · answered by ? 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are close to France I think. same thing, porbably never heard of it.
2007-12-15 06:07:24 · answer #7 · answered by Johnny U 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋