Where did the word Dutch come from derivation?

The word "Dutch" has its origins in the Old High German word "diutisc", which referred to the people of the Germanic tribes living east of the Rhine river.

Here's a breakdown of its evolution:

* Old High German: "diutisc" (meaning "of the people")

* Middle High German: "diutisch"

* Middle Dutch: "duits" (meaning "German")

* English: "Dutch"

The term "diutisc" originally referred to all Germanic peoples, but it eventually became associated specifically with the Low Franconian dialect spoken in the Netherlands and northern Belgium.

Over time, the term "Dutch" became synonymous with the people and language of the Netherlands.

It's worth noting that "Dutch" is sometimes used to refer to people of Dutch descent or to things associated with the Netherlands, even if they are not actually from the country.