Going Dutch

Going Dutch: A Global Perspective on Splitting Costs

Have you ever wondered why we say ‘going Dutch’ when dining out with friends? This phrase, rooted in 17th-century rivalry between England and the Netherlands, has evolved into a global practice of sharing costs. But how does this concept vary across cultures?

The Origins and Variations

Going Dutch is not just about splitting the bill; it’s also known as Dutch date or Dutch treat in many parts of the world. In Africa, it’s called Englizy in Egypt, while Latin America has its own unique terms like pagar a la americana (pay American-style) and hacer una vaca (having a cow).

Mobile sharing payment platforms have transformed how we manage our expenses, leading to a cultural rethinking of the term ‘going Dutch’ in the United States. In Brazil, the word “rachar” is used for splitting costs or paying equally among a group.

The Practice Across Cultures

Let’s explore how this concept plays out in different parts of the world:

• Asia: In Japan, warikan (splitting the cost) is common. In South Korea, ‘Dutch pay’ (going Dutch) is a Konglish loan phrase where men usually pay for romantic dates.
• China: Traditionally, the host or the person with the highest income pays, but payment platforms have made it easier to split bills among friends. In India and Pakistan, various terms like ‘TTMM’ (tu tera mein mera) and ‘American system’ are used.
• Africa: Englizy in Egypt is one term for going Dutch, while in Latin America, variations include pagar a la americana and hacer una vaca.

The European Perspective

In Europe, the concept of going Dutch varies widely. In Italy, Spain, Portugal, Greece, and Malta, it’s uncommon to split the bill, often seen as rude. However, in Nordic countries like Sweden and Denmark, and the Netherlands, going Dutch is the norm for almost every visit to a restaurant.

In France and Portugal, ‘faire moitié-moitié’ (splitting the cost) or ‘meias’ (half-half) are used, especially for romantic dates and business meetings where the host usually pays. In Italy, it’s called pagare alla romana (‘to pay Roman-style’).

Conclusion: A Global Shift in Dining Etiquette

The practice of going Dutch has become a significant part of our social interactions, reflecting changes in personal income and relationship dynamics. As technology continues to evolve, the way we manage shared expenses is likely to change further.