1737 Dutch oven cite

[Frank Abate]

Rudy T said:

>>
Thanks to Barry for turning up the earlier "Dutch oven" cite. I'm working
on an article (slowly) on the meanings of the term, and speakers'
interpretations of it. Any further grist to cook will be appreciated.
<<

Here's something to check out, anyway -- the negative use of "Dutch" in
English.  Examples include _Dutch courage_, _go Dutch_, etc.  So is a Dutch
oven a small thing that a Dutchman would think of as an oven, even though it
lacks a source of heat?

I think this stems from English jealousy towards the Dutch, esp. as the two
empires were a-building, say 17th and 18th centuries.  The Dutch kept
beating the English to important markets and sources of goods (e.g., the
so-called Spice Islands), and it hurt English pride.  So they "got back" by
castigating the Dutch in various expressions.  Didn't help matters, as the
Dutch continued as preeminent merchants, despite the tiny size of the
country, the lack of a big army or navy, etc.  The Netherlands remains a
very important trading nation to this day, far more important than its
population would suggest.  It is a very wealthy country, too, and the Dutch
invest their euro (was guilders) heavily all over the world.  Dutch pension
funds are a huge source of capital internationally.  Then there's
re-insurance. . . .

OK, enough.

Frank Abate