Dutch courage

noun

Sometimes Offensive.

1. courage inspired by drunkenness or drinking liquor.

Dutch courage

noun

1. false courage gained from drinking alcohol

2. alcoholic drink

Sensitive Note

Dutch courage is foolish courage or misplaced confidence. Because “Dutch” is used to imply that the courage is not genuine, the term is sometimes perceived as insulting to or by the Dutch. See also Dutch.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Dutch courage¹

First recorded in 1805–15

Idioms and Phrases

False courage acquired by drinking liquor, as in He had a quick drink to give him Dutch courage. This idiom alludes to the reputed heavy drinking of the Dutch, and was first referred to in Edmund Waller's Instructions to a Painter (1665): “The Dutch their wine, and all their brandy lose, Disarm'd of that from which their courage grows.”

Example Sentences

If that doesn’t call for Dutch courage, I don’t know what does.

From Washington Post

"As a society, we need to normalise socialising without the Dutch courage and prove to people that you really can have a blast without the booze," says Mr Sargood.

From BBC

“I know it’s only Dutch courage, but it sometimes works wonders.”

From Literature

Those who need Dutch courage to flirt still have plenty of traditional pubs to go to, says Yates.

From The Guardian

No Dutch courage was necessary for these singers, though.

From New York Times

Related Words

• drunkenness www.thesaurus.com
• liquid courage www.thesaurus.com