Dutch courage
Dutch courage, also known as pot-valiance or liquid courage, refers to courage gained from intoxication with alcohol.
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Look up dutch courage in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
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Look up pot-valiant in Wiktionary, the free dictionary. |
History
The popular story dates the etymology of the term Dutch courage to English soldiers fighting in the Anglo-Dutch Wars[1] (1652–1674) and perhaps as early as the Thirty Years' War (1618–1648). One version states that jenever (or Dutch gin) was used by English soldiers for its calming effects before battle, and for its purported warming properties on the body in cold weather. Another version has it that English soldiers noted the bravery-inducing effects of jenever on Dutch soldiers.
Gin, an English adaptation of jenever, would go on to become popular in Britain thanks to King William III of England (William of Orange, r. 1689–1702), who was also Stadtholder of the Netherlands.
See also
- Anglo-Dutch Wars
- Double Dutch
- Dutch uncle
- Going Dutch (a.k.a. Dutch treat, Dutch date)
References
- "Dutch". Oxford English Dictionary (2nd ed.). Oxford University Press. 1989.
Further reading
- Discovery Channel's "How Do They Do It"
- Andrews, S (2007). "Textbook Of Food & Beverage Management", Tata McGraw-Hill (264).