Here's the breakdown:
* The Original Meaning: The phrase likely originated in the 18th century, during a period of intense rivalry between the Dutch and the British. British soldiers stationed in the Netherlands (known as the Dutch Republic at the time) often found themselves dining with local Dutch people.
* The Misinterpretation: The British soldiers, unaware of the Dutch custom of paying for meals separately, interpreted this practice as each person paying their own share. They then started using the phrase "to go Dutch" to refer to this style of paying.
* The Spread of the Phrase: This interpretation then spread within the British military and eventually into common English usage.
Important Note: It's crucial to understand that the term "go Dutch" was never actually used in the Netherlands. It was a misinterpretation of a Dutch custom by British soldiers.
Therefore, the phrase "go Dutch" is actually a product of a cultural misunderstanding!