ESL Blogs

It's been a while since I write anything. My work load seemed to be getting heavier, and by the end of the day, my mind was just too tired to do anything else. But I realised that I really missed writing, and trying to come up with coherent English sentences. Trying to make sense some flitting ideas and putting them into a sentence, and then a paragraph was a challenge that I never thought I will ever enjoyed. 

So I thought, what the heck, and took long and deep breath (instead of drink, LOL. I don't drink) as my Dutch courage. The easiest topic to kick start my rusty brain was writing 'Did You Know' series. Did you know that there are many expressions and idioms related to 'Dutch'?

1. Dutch courage

This idiom is actually somewhat a bit derogatory to a Dutch. This mean as false courage or false bravado and which meant the person needed a few drinks to bolster one's courage. 

One possibility of the origin of this idiom was the fact that the Dutch had invented gin. British troops appreciated the calming effect of gin before going to the war, thus giving the impression that their bravery was false and linked to alcohol fueled courage.

2. Going Dutch

No. No. No. You're not going to be a Dutch by going Dutch. LOL. Going Dutch means that to evenly split the group expenses such as meals. According to one source, due to historically, the Dutch and British were rivals in term of building global empire, this idiom to be considered a tightwad. In addition, the Dutch was always being customary considered to treat people equally. Therefore, if a group of people were going out and enjoying the same experience, they should be paying equally.

3. Dutch Auction

A Dutch auction is a method where the price of the goods are reduced until a buyer is found. It is differ from the normal auction where the price of the goods are increased until a buyer is found. A Dutch auction was historically originated from tulip farmers of Holland in the 19th Century. The farmers will pooled their tulips at the central market and sellers will undertook their sale to the traders from all over the world. The sellers will provide the starting price, and the traders will buy at the prevailing market price. Nowadays, the goods are not limited to the tulips, but other goods as well.  

4. Dutch Durian, Dutch Chicken and like a Dutch who has given a land

LOL. Don't roll your eyes. These three expressions are only peculiar to Malaysians. In Malay, a Dutch is called "Belanda'. Due to the Dutch, or Belanda had occupied Melaka from 1641 - 1825, Malay had a unique way in associating the Dutch to our daily vocabularies/phrases.

One is the 'durian Belanda' which can be literary translated as 'Dutch durian'. Actually, it is just a soursop. 

Another one is 'ayam Belanda' which can be directly translated as 'Dutch chicken'. It is what other people in the other parts of the world called 'Turkey'. LOL

And finally, like a Dutch who has given a land. It is just a direct translation of 'Seperti Belanda mendapat tanah'. It's a derogatory and somewhat angry expression. Like I said, the Dutch had colonised Melaka for about 183 years. Though during their occupation, there was little resistant from the Malay at that time, most Malay lamented that the Dutch was never satisfy with what they were given, which was land, and they wanted more.

I know there are many more idioms/expression relating to the Dutch. I will add them if time permits, or you may add them.

Additional idioms/expression or phrases that has 'Dutch' in it. Thank you to Eric and Y.N. I really appreciate it. I was too lazy to research and add them on my own. LOL

1. Dutch Uncle - a person giving firm but benevolent advice.

2. Double Dutch - it is a jumping game played with two skipping ropes swung in opposite directions so that they cross rhythmically.

3. Double Dutch - also can mean a language that is impossible to understand; gibberish.

4. In Dutch with someone - in trouble with someone

5. Dutch treat - a social occasion where one pays for oneself.

My other Did You Know? series:-

1. Did You Know?;  2. Continuation;  3. Another Continuation;  4. Not Another Continuation!; 5. Gosh! Will It Never Ends?;  6. Oh No! Not Another One!;  7. Here Comes Another One;  8. Another One?;  9. One, Two, Eighty Six?; 10. Punishment? OMG!; 11. Is This A Swan Song?;  12 John Has It All?; 13. It's All In The Myth;  14. This Is Random;  15. It's A Dog's World;  16.  It's Also A Cat's World;  17. Is It A Mouse World Too?;