Dutchman

[ duhch-muhn ]

noun

, plural Dutch·men.

1. a native or inhabitant of the Netherlands.
2. (lowercase) Building Trades. a piece or wedge inserted to hide the fault in a badly made joint, to stop an opening, etc.
3. Theater. a narrow strip of canvas to conceal the join between two flats.
4. Slang: Sometimes Offensive. a term used to refer to a German.

Dutchman

/ ˈdʌtʃmən /

noun

1. a native, citizen, or inhabitant of the Netherlands
2. a piece of wood, metal, etc, used to repair or patch faulty workmanship
3. derogatory.
   an Afrikaner

Sensitive Note

As used to refer to a German, the term Dutchman was originally standard English. But around the time of World War I, it became a slang term of contempt for the enemy. Its use nowadays is still sometimes perceived as insulting.

Word History and Origins

Origin of Dutchman¹

Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; Dutch, man

Example Sentences

It’s a pink frosting-slathered sugar cookie that’s uncannily similar to Dutchman’s — because that’s what it’s modeled after.

From Eater

They’re undeniably delicious and ubiquitous, but are rarely credited with having originated right here at Dutchman’s.

From Eater

As excited as I was for my first go at fry sauce and “thick shakes,” nothing could have prepared me for the alliance I’d unknowingly choose by way of a legendary local treat just steps from the gas pump at Dutchman’s Market.

From Eater

Several chains, including Dutchman’s and Swig, offer the bright cookies.

From Eater

Swig soon became the Dutchman’s first wholesale client, and the cookie one of Swig’s top sellers.

From Eater

The Dutchman was transferred in August when he allegedly threatened to kill the prison warden.

From The Daily Beast

The head of the prison says Figueroa fabricated the story as a ploy to get the Dutchman transferred.

From The Daily Beast

Police even arrested a Dutchman recently just because he owned a tire business.

From The Daily Beast

This piece is called “Extension Chair,” designed by the young Dutchman Sjoerd Vroonland for the Moooi company.

From The Daily Beast

Now they face the sobering reality that the young Dutchman could be out of prison in a matter of months.

From The Daily Beast

I asked him to tell me how he produced a certain effect he makes in his arrangement of the ballad in Wagner's Flying Dutchman.

From Project Gutenberg

His head fell back limp on MacRae's arm, and the rest of the message went with the game old Dutchman across the big divide.

From Project Gutenberg

Pipes grew larger and ruled by a Dutchman, all England smoked in peace.

From Project Gutenberg

A Dutchman—what you would call a Swede—a hulking beggar, came up from the fo'c'sle very much the worse for wear.

From Project Gutenberg

They are all well-nigh forgotten now, obstinate Dutchman and valiant Spaniard alike.

From Project Gutenberg