Dictionary of Phrase and Fable—D

Dutchman

I'm a Dutchman if I do. A strong refusal. During the rivalry between England and Holland, the word Dutch was synonymous with all that was false and hateful, and when a man said, “I would rather be a Dutchman than do what you ask me,” he used the strongest term of refusal that words could express.

If not, I'm a Dutchman,
means, I will do it or I will call myself a Dutchman. Well, I'm a Dutchman! An exclamation of strong incredulity.

Source: Dictionary of Phrase and Fable, E. Cobham Brewer, 1894
Duty
Dutch Uncle
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