In a message dated 2/4/01 2:58:26 PM Eastern Standard Time, [log in to unmask]
writes:

> The pejorative Netherlandish connotation is news to me, but I suppose one
>  could argue that I wasn't around in 1874.

Historical Dictionary of American Slang finds similiar references (but
without explaining why blame affixes to any particular national group), but
also notes that "Dutch-" is frequently used to describe something which is,
in fact, German, a usage dating to the 1400's, and that Dutch is often used
as a contemptous reference to something German - this with regards to
betting, suicide, liquor, becalming, torture, etc.

Sign me,  Grandfather came from Groningen, but never taught his children a
word of the language - and they all four hate Dutch cooking.