The Xenophobe's Guide to the Dutch

When Napoleon invaded the Netherlands he forced the Dutch to adopt surnames – something not all of them had thought of doing. Those without had to adopt that extra name quick-smart and, assuming it would be a temporary measure and that once the invader had been sent packing they could resort to their old way of life, people thought up all sorts of odd names so that they could have a good laugh at the unwitting French officials’ expense. But the joke backfired. Today there are families burdened with such names as Naaktgeboren (‘born naked’), Hoogen-boezem (‘high bosomed’), or Poepjens (‘pooh-pooh’).

The English dismiss anything they find too baffling as ‘Double Dutch

There is a saying that if you put two Dutch people in a room they will start a debate; add a third and they will found a church or a political party.”