Discussion Forum—A Way with Words, a fun radio show and podcast about language

I'm guessing that it's not a small patch of sky.

There is a reference to exactly how big a Dutchman's Breeches can be in "The Ballads of Old New York", written by Arthur Guitermann and published in 1920. In that book is a poem titled "Dutchman's Breeches," which tells the tale of the first Manhattan land purchase by the Dutch from the American Indians. In the poem, the Dutch ask only for enough land to cover a Dutchman's Breeches. When the Indians agree, up steps a man known for his overly large breeches, which are then spread out to cover all the land in sight. Here is an excerpt:

"For all, a poor exchange we ask:
The scanty plot of countryside
A Dutchman's breeches serve to hide!"

The chief assented with a smile –
(Alas! unskilled in Palefage guile!)
Then, loyal to his leader's look,
Advanced the sturdy Gert Ten Broeck-
Through Holland noted far and near
For amplitude of nether gear-
And spread, amid a hush profound,
His mighty garment on the ground!

As a side note, I love that, 100 years ago, someone wrote the line "amplitude of nether gear."

AnneQ said:

Dottie said:

Has anyone heard this expression? When a friend and I discussed the possibility of rain, she quoted her grandmother: "If there is enough blue sky to make a pair of Dutchman's britches, then it won't rain." She told me she did not know the origins of this saying, nor did she know how big (or small) a Dutchman or the blue patch of sky was, or whether the britches were comparable to boxers, briefs, or loincloths. So I'm asking if anyone can inform us. Dottie

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My grandmother used to say the same thing. Of course, now Mom says it and I do too!