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.

  1. Theater. a narrow strip of canvas to conceal the join between two flats.

  2. Slang: Sometimes Offensive. a term used to refer to a German.

Origin of Dutchman

1
Middle English word dating back to 1350–1400; see origin at Dutch, man

usage note For Dutchman

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.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for Dutchman

Dutchman

/ (ˈdʌtʃmən) /


nounplural -men
  1. a native, citizen, or inhabitant of the Netherlands

  2. a piece of wood, metal, etc, used to repair or patch faulty workmanship

  1. Southern African often derogatory an Afrikaner

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012