PhrasesHub

Dutch treat

    Definitions

      • shared cost
        To refer to a situation where each person pays for their own share of a group expense, typically a meal or outing

      • cheap or stingy
        To describe someone who is unwilling to spend money or contribute to a shared expense

    Examples of Dutch treat

    • John suggested we go out for dinner tonight, but he said it's going to be a Dutch treat.

      In this example, "Dutch treat" is being used as a noun phrase to describe the type of arrangement for paying for the meal. It means that each person will pay for their own share of the bill, rather than splitting the cost evenly or having one person pay for everyone else. This idiom comes from the idea that in the past, Dutch men would invite women out to dinner and then expect them to pay their own way, as it was considered improper for a man to pay for a woman's meal. However, nowadays the idiom is used more generally to refer to any situation where each person is responsible for their own expenses.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "Dutch treat" is often used in two different contexts, both related to the concept of sharing expenses. The first meaning refers to a situation where each person pays for their own share of a group expense, such as a meal or outing. This usage is generally considered neutral and does not carry any negative connotations.

    However, the second meaning of "Dutch treat" is often used in a negative sense, to describe someone who is perceived as being cheap or stingy. In this context, the idiom suggests that the person is unwilling to spend money or contribute to a shared expense, and may even be trying to avoid paying their fair share. This usage is more common in informal or colloquial settings, and can be considered offensive or insulting to some individuals.

    Origin of "Dutch treat"

    The origin of the idiom "Dutch treat" is not entirely clear, but there are a few theories about its origins. One theory suggests that it may have originated from the Dutch custom of splitting bills evenly among friends, rather than each person paying for their own share. Another theory suggests that it may have stemmed from the stereotype of the Dutch being thrifty and frugal.

    Regardless of its exact origins, the idiom has been in use since the late 19th century, and has evolved to have both positive and negative connotations related to sharing expenses. It is important to note that using the term "Dutch treat" in a negative sense can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and should be avoided.