Where did the saying 'Dutch courage' originate?

mibmob

It was because people didn't think much of the Dutch at one point and so they believed that they could only be courageous after a few drinks. "Dutch" was/is a common prenominal to things that are not orthodox - qv dutch auction, going dutch etc. May 05 04, 10:10 AM

TabbyTom

The OED and Brewer both say that the use of "Dutch" in various uncomplimentary phrases goes back to the Anglo-Dutch wars of the seventeenth century. The Dutch did pretty well in them, as I recall. May 06 04, 8:17 AM

McGruff

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 great rival to England (especially the Dutch East India Company), and generally these phrases containing "Dutch" show Dutch people in a bad light. See also Anglo-Dutch Wars http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dutch_courage The Anglo-Dutch Wars were fought in the 17th and 18th centuries between Britain and the United Provinces for control over the seas and trade routes. They are known as the Dutch Wars in England and as the English Wars in the Netherlands. http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anglo-Dutch_Wars Oct 13 05, 1:52 AM

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