Dutch courage

Dutch courage

Dutch courage or liquid courage refers to courage gained from intoxication by alcohol. Originally the phrase 'Dutch courage' referred to the courage that results from indulgence in Dutch gin (jenever), but 'Dutch courage' can also apply to the gin itself.

In 1650 Franciscus Sylvius, a Dutch doctor, created Dutch gin in an attempt create a diuretic medicine. This was then used by soldiers in the Thirty Years' War by English troops and was an instant success for its warming properties on the body in cold weather and its calming effects before battle. Because of the effects of Dutch gin English soldiers fighting in the Dutch Republic in the 17th century apparently called the drink "Dutch Courage".

After the Thirty Years' War English troops returned home with 'Dutch Courage'. Gin became popular in England after King William III, better known as William of Orange (1650 - 1702), allowed unlicensed gin production and at the same time imposed a heavy duty on all imported spirits. Soon gin distillation took place in England. The gin produced in England was different from the original Dutch version because the distillers did not have the original recipe. King William III actively encouraged gin production and gin was sometimes given to workers as a part of their wages.

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References


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  • Dutch courage — Dutch Dutch, a. [D. duitsch German; or G. deutsch, orig., popular, national, OD. dietsc, MHG. diutsch, tiutsch, OHG. diutisk, fr. diot, diota, a people, a nation; akin to AS. pe[ o]d, OS. thiod, thioda, Goth. piuda; cf. Lith. tauta land, OIr.… …   The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • dutch courage — is the reckless bravery caused by drinking too much …   The small dictionary of idiomes

  • Dutch courage — n [U] courage or confidence that you get when you drink alcohol …   Dictionary of contemporary English

  • Dutch courage — n. Slang 1. courage resulting from the drinking of an alcoholic beverage 2. an alcoholic beverage …   English World dictionary

  • Dutch courage — noun uncount INFORMAL a feeling of confidence that comes after drinking alcohol …   Usage of the words and phrases in modern English

  • dutch courage —    Dutch courage is the reckless bravery caused by drinking too much.   (Dorking School Dictionary) …   English Idioms & idiomatic expressions

  • Dutch courage —   Dutch courage is the reckless bravery caused by drinking too much …   Dictionary of English idioms

  • Dutch courage — ► NOUN ▪ confidence gained from drinking alcohol …   English terms dictionary

  • Dutch courage — 1. n. liquor; false courage from drinking liquor. □ A couple of shots of Dutch courage, and he was ready to face anything. □ How about a little Dutch courage to help you through the first act? 2. n. drugs. □ Max deals in Dutch ourage, as he cal …   Dictionary of American slang and colloquial expressions

  • Dutch courage — noun courage resulting from intoxication • Hypernyms: ↑courage, ↑courageousness, ↑bravery, ↑braveness * * * noun [noncount] chiefly Brit informal : courage or confidence that a person gets from drinking alcohol * * * ˌDutch ˈcourage [Dutch… …   Useful english dictionary

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