double Dutch

noun

1
: unintelligible language
2
: the jumping of two jump ropes rotating in opposite directions simultaneously

Examples of double Dutch in a Sentence

The girls were playing double Dutch on the sidewalk. the fast-talking con man spouts some double Dutch, and it is only afterwards that the victim realizes that he's given two twenties for a ten
Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Girls playing double Dutch In this picture by Wayne F. Miller, young girls play double Dutch in the snow in 1940s Chicago. Kayla Randall, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Oct. 2024 Travel & Experiences Recess for grown-ups: Join these L.A. groups for double Dutch, dodgeball and more Sept. 20, 2024 My situation provided a clear conundrum: Copious research shows that strength training, particularly for older adults, is a critical piece of the health and longevity puzzle. Deborah Vankin, Los Angeles Times, 9 Oct. 2024 As a Black woman who grew up in New York City in the late ’90s and early aughts, double Dutch has always been near and dear to my heart. Sonaiya Kelley, Los Angeles Times, 20 Sep. 2024 Being Black is a birthright privilege, and a rite of passage, like learning how to parallel park or double Dutch. Lizz Schumer, Peoplemag, 3 June 2024 The group mixes in some hula-hooping, African hopscotching and line dancing, but double Dutch is the core. Tara Bahrampour, Washington Post, 26 July 2023 Around noon, just north of the White House, scores of people flocked to Black Lives Matter Plaza to eat, dance and double Dutch. Samantha Latson, Washington Post, 19 June 2023 Tamron has done things like crushed double Dutch and boxed with Creed 3 star Jonathan Majors on camera. Korin Miller, Women's Health, 11 May 2023 Rent paddleboats, check out performers on multiple stages, try crafting, play double Dutch, experiment with interactive art, or hang out in the beer and wine garden. Michael J. West, Washington Post, 6 Apr. 2023

Word History

First Known Use

1876, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of double Dutch was in 1876

Dictionary Entries Near double Dutch

Cite this Entry

“Double Dutch.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/double%20Dutch. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on double Dutch

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