go Dutch


to have each person pay his or her own expenses
if a friend and i go out to eat, we might “go dutch,” meaning we may each pay for our individual portion of the bill
the phrase “going dutch” probably originates from dutch etiquette. in the netherlands, it is not unusual to pay separately when dating. the dutch were already internationally known as scrooges, and 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 -ssociated 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 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 treat attributed to north americans or canadians.
last night i had no money, but fortunately we didn’t go dutch and my friend treated me.
when you go an a date and everyone pays separately.
stephanie: i only have enough for my meal.

natalia: yeah so do i.

christopher: i am not paying for anyone’s food.

john: great, so everyone can go dutch

natalia: going dutch is a great idea.

Read Also:

  • Grammar Nut

    one who fixes grammar mistakes excessively guy 1: “yes i’m sh-r-.” grammar nut: ” hahah don’t you mean sure?”

  • Grand Prairie Wheelchair

    the most swaggin baggin way to get around when you can’t walk because of your mental or physical state. (also a popular trap song) jordan: bro i can’t walk! sam: well i mean you can always hop in that sweet grand prairie wheelchair! jordan: grand prairie wheelchair!

  • Gravity Boarding

    cruising around on your board, while stoned out of your mind. “yo dude wanna go gravity boarding later??”

  • green light anxiety

    that nervous feeling you get in the pit of your stomach when you are stopped in a long line of cars at a red light. when the light turns green you hope to g-d you make it through before if turns red again. after waiting 5 minutes at a red light, my green light anxiety […]

  • Hamlet haircut

    a shakespeare play haircut. hey! did you see his hamlet haircut? sh-ts got everyone f-cked up today. he should be trying out for a shakespeare play instead of coming to work like that. a shakespeare play haircut. hey! did you see his hamlet haircut? sh-ts got everyone f-cked up today. he should be trying out […]


Disclaimer: go Dutch definition / meaning should not be considered complete, up to date, and is not intended to be used in place of a visit, consultation, or advice of a legal, medical, or any other professional. All content on this website is for informational purposes only.