People Question True Meaning Behind ‘Dutch Courage’ Phrase in the UK

London: You might hear the phrase “Dutch courage” a lot, but do you know what it really means? A TikTok user recently shared a video that dives into this phrase and others like it.

In the video, they explain that “Dutch courage” has a funny twist. It suggests that the bravery isn’t real but comes from drinking alcohol. The term dates back to the 1600s when British soldiers saw Dutch troops downing gin before battles.

The Brits thought, “Hey, if it works for them, why not?” But they also poked fun at the Dutch, saying they needed booze to be brave. This phrase stuck around, even as its original meaning faded.

Today, we use “Dutch courage” to describe someone who drinks to feel bold, like when giving a speech or talking to someone new. It’s interesting how a phrase can change over time, right?

The TikTok video got mixed reactions. Some viewers were surprised by the history, while others disagreed with the explanation. One user found it fascinating, while another claimed it came from the Dutch delivering goods during the plague.

It’s funny how a simple phrase can spark such different opinions. What do you think?