Let’s go Dutch? / Idioms

Why not British or French or Chinese or German?

Why are there so many idioms containing “Dutch” in English? 
Basically, because the English disliked the Dutch. In the 17th century, England and the Netherlands were at each other’s throats. Both wanted maritime superiority for economic reasons, especially control of the sea routes from the rich spice islands of the East Indies. The Dutch were powerful, they were the enemy, they were the bad guys, and their name was taken in vain at every opportunity.

Dutch behaviour is defined in the book Culture Shock! Netherlands: A Survival Guide To Customs and Etiquette as “practical, direct, outspoken, stubborn, well-organised, blunt and thinking they are always right.”
At this time the English language gained a whole array of new insults. These colorful (though now incongruous) phrases became part of English usage worldwide, and some are still in use.

Продолжение читайте в журнале English4U №5 (мая 2010) на который можно подписаться или купить.