go Dutch

Definition

To pay for one's own food and bills, or split the cost, when eating at a restaurant or going out for entertainment.

Etymology

A derivative of Dutch treat, from Dutch (“poor imitation; ersatz”), a derogatory term originally referring generically to German-speaking peoples as a whole; first attested 1914.

Example Sentences

• "GOING DUTCH Some girls are quite willing to pay part of the expenses on special dates. When something is planned which is beyond the boy's means. . . ."
• "Ashley Olsen may be a teenage zillionaire, but when she's out on the town with pals, she goes dutch."