DUTCH COURAGE
Benefits of Drinking Alcohol By Vikram Karve
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The term “Dutch Courage” means the
confidence you get after drinking alcohol.
Yes – Dutch Courage refers to “Courage” gained from intoxication with alcohol.
It is a well-known fact that consumption
of alcohol reduces your inhibitions – so – drinking alcohol probably removes the
“fears” and “apprehensions” in your mind – and – gives you “courage” to do
things you would otherwise hesitate to do.
Hence – the expression “Dutch Courage”
denotes strength or confidence gained from drinking alcohol – a sort of “false
bravado” you feel and sometimes display when you are intoxicated and feeling “high”.
Why the prefix “Dutch”…?
It is believed that the term “Dutch Courage”
was coined during the Anglo-Dutch Wars in the 17th century.
One version is that Jenever (or Dutch
Gin) was used by English soldiers for its calming effects before battle – and –
for its supposed warming properties on the body in cold weather.
Another version has it that English
soldiers noted the bravery-inducing effects of Jenever (Dutch Gin) on Dutch
soldiers.
So – the origin of the term was either
because the English soldiers drank before a battle to fight the fear with Dutch
Gin – or – because they saw the Dutch soldiers drink Jenever (Dutch Gin)
and witnessed the bravery with which they fought after drinking it.
Since – in both cases – it was “Dutch”
Gin which gave the “Courage” – hence – it was called “Dutch Courage”.
Over the years – the colloquial military
term “Dutch Courage” referred to the “Courage” gained by drinking Alcohol – and
– the Military and Naval custom of using alcoholic spirits to fortify resolve
before a battle or a before tough task or evolution.
Hence the traditions of Rum Rations in
the Military and Navy – and special issues of Rum to Soldiers before battle –
and – “splice the mainbrace” orders on warships.
Even today – in many Military Forces
– Alcoholic Liquor is issued at concessional rates to Military Personnel – probably
with the aim of inducing and facilitating “Dutch Courage”.
Well – as far as my experience goes –
in the Navy (and maybe in the other Military Forces too) – “Dutch Courage” is
very useful – even in “peacetime soldiering” – since it helps maintain relationship
balance between superior and subordinate – and – it is a “stress buster” too –
since it facilitates venting out of your inner frustrations.
On one ship – I had a terrible
sadistic boss – a cruel tyrant – who would berate and harangue me continuously.
After being bullied, scolded and
harassed by my boss whole day – in the evening – after imbibing a generous
amount of alcohol to build up “Dutch Courage” – I would give it back to my boss
nice and proper – thereby venting out my frustrations – and – this would relieve
my pent-up anger and stress.
(Anything you do when you are supposed
to be “drunk” is taken less seriously than if you do the same thing when you
are sober)
So – even if my boss complained –
the next morning – I would say that “I don’t remember anything” – and get off
the hook.
Sometimes – I would feign drunkenness
when I wanted to “bullshit” someone senior to me.
The Captain once joked – that – in
the daytime – it was I who was running away from my boss – and – at night – it was
my boss who was running away from me.
My “Dutch Courage” had a salutary
effect – my boss started avoiding me in the evenings – and also – he reduced
his bullying, diatribes and harsh behaviour – especially with me.
Also – I managed to keep my mental
health intact – unlike a predecessor of mine – who could not cope with the
continuous bullying, diatribes and harassment – and – a time came when he could
not take it any longer – so – he jumped ship (AWOL)
(I wonder if he was a non-drinker)
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EPILOGUE
The only unique perk you get in the military
is concessional liquor – maybe – it is given with the aim of developing “Dutch Courage”.
Sometimes – when your courage fails you
– it is “Dutch Courage” which will save the day – and maybe – help you win the “battle”.
There are many benefits of “Dutch Courage”
– these are universal and apply to everyone.
“Dutch Courage” gives you the confidence
do things you would otherwise hesitate to do – or be afraid of doing.
Also – as I told you – “Dutch Courage” helps you to vent out your pent-up emotions
and release your stress.
“Dutch Courage” enables you to transcend
emotional barriers in relationships.
“Dutch Courage” helps you speak the
truth.
This concept can be used in the
reverse manner by bosses to get genuine feedback – and to understand, and get
an insight into, the true character of their subordinates, colleagues and
friends.
(remember: “Your true character
comes out when you are drunk”)
Dear Reader – do tell us some “Dutch
Courage” stories you have experienced or seen in your life.
I have already written a few in my
blogs and will tell you some more from time to time.
To summarize – alcohol dissolves
inhibitions, fears and anxieties – and – one of the effects of drinking alcohol
is “Dutch Courage”.
“Dutch Courage” is a “benefit” of drinking
alcohol.
How you use this “Dutch Courage” to
your advantage – well – that’s your choice.
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Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.
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