Dutchman's call

[Hmmmmmmm]

I just read something that talked about a decison being a "Dutchman's call". It wasn't clear from the context what it meant. Anyone know?

[spacechimp]

Double Dutch means nonsense..?

[Quizmonster]

Most sayings in English involving 'Dutch' or 'Dutchman' are pejorative...ie critical. In the early days of international trade, the Dutch and English were forever at each other's throats. As a result, the word 'Dutch' was frequently used in phrases where the people could be made fun of or belittled. We have 'Dutch courage'...bravery brought on only by drunkenness, 'a Dutch treat'...ie one you pay for yourself and so on.
I'd guess 'a Dutchman's call' is a decision - such as by a referee - which the speaker does not approve of.

[mr_pointment]

how did the dutch cap come about Quizmonster?lol

[Quizmonster]

Ah! A Dutch cap originally was a cap, Mr P. I assume it became attached to the contraceptive device because of the similarity of appearance as well as the 'mickey-taking' aspect. Other such devices also have the same critical element between rival nations...we refer to 'French letters' and the French refer to 'English overcoats', for example. Neither nationality is talking about mail or garments!
The earliest recorded use of the cap, in the sense you use, it was in an article by Marie Stopes in The Lancet in 1922. Cheers