The term stems from restaurant dining etiquette in the Western world, where each person pays for their meal. It is also called Dutch date, Dutch treat (the oldest form, a pejorative), and doing Dutch. A derivative is sharing Dutch, having a joint ownership of luxury goods.

Where did going Dutch originate from?

The origin of the phrase “to go Dutch” is traced back to the 17th century when England and the Netherlands fought constantly over trade routes and political boundaries. The British use of the term “Dutch” had a negative connotation for the Netherlanders were said to be stingy.

What does Dutch mean on a date?

The term going dutch refers to the practice of each person paying his or her own way when dating. So, instead of your date picking up the tab, you pay for your own share.