dutch courage
MediumInformal, Colloquial
Definition
Meaning
Confidence or bravado induced by drinking alcohol.
Any form of artificial or temporary confidence gained from an external source, often used metaphorically.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
An idiomatic, often slightly humorous or critical term implying the courage is not genuine but chemically induced.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is understood and used in both varieties, with a slightly higher frequency in British English. Its stereotypical association with the Dutch is considered mildly old-fashioned but is the standard idiom.
Connotations
Generally negative or humorous, suggesting a lack of true bravery.
Frequency
Common in everyday speech, literature, and journalism in both regions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
He summoned (up) the dutch courage to...A shot of whiskey gave him some dutch courage.It was just dutch courage.Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Dutch courage”
- “liquid courage”
- “false bravery”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; might be used informally to criticize overconfidence in a social business setting (e.g., 'His bold proposal was just dutch courage from the cocktail hour.').
Academic
Almost never used in formal academic writing; might appear in literary analysis, historical texts, or sociolinguistic studies.
Everyday
Common in casual conversation to describe someone who needs a drink before a difficult task (e.g., a date, a speech, a confrontation).
Technical
Not used.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He dutch-couraged himself with a pint before the interview.
American English
- He dutch-couraged up before asking her out.
adverb
British English
- He approached her, dutch-couragely, after the third gin.
American English
- He spoke dutch-couragely, fueled by bourbon.
adjective
British English
- It was a classic dutch-courage moment before the fight.
American English
- He had that dutch-courage swagger after three beers.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He drank beer for dutch courage.
- He had a shot of whiskey for dutch courage before his speech.
- It was clear his bold confession was merely a product of dutch courage.
- Sociologists have noted the role of 'dutch courage' in facilitating social interactions in cultures with strong drinking traditions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a Dutch sailor in the 17th century taking a swig of jenever (gin) before a storm to feel brave. 'Dutch' + 'courage' = alcohol-induced bravery.
Conceptual Metaphor
COURAGE IS A LIQUID / LIQUID IS COURAGE.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Не переводите дословно как 'голландское мужество'. Русские аналоги: 'пить для храбрости', 'набраться наглости', 'сила в воде'. Слово 'голландский' здесь не имеет современного географического смысла.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrectly capitalizing 'dutch' (should be lowercase).
- Using it as a direct compliment (it's not).
- Thinking it refers to the courage of Dutch people.
Practice
Quiz
What does 'dutch courage' typically imply about the courage?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is generally not considered highly offensive today, though its origin is based on historical Anglo-Dutch rivalry and stereotypes. It's best used in informal contexts with awareness of its mildly pejorative history.
Yes, metaphorically. One could say 'a strong coffee was my dutch courage for the meeting,' though the primary meaning always relates to alcohol.
"Liquid courage" is the most common direct synonym in American English, though 'dutch courage' is also widely understood.
The term originates from 17th-century English military slang during the Anglo-Dutch wars. English soldiers believed that Dutch troops drank jenever (gin) before battle to boost their bravery, implying their courage wasn't innate.