E. Cobham Brewer 1810–1897. Dictionary of Phrase and Fable. 1898.
Dutchman.
I’m a Dutchman if I do. A strong refusal. During the rivalry between England and Holland, the word Dutch was synonymous with all that was false and hateful, and when a man said, “I would rather be a Dutchman than do what you ask me,” he used the strongest term of refusal that words could express.
1
If not, I’m a Dutchman, means, I will do it or I will call myself a Dutchman.
2
Well, I’m a Dutchman! An exclamation of strong incredulity.
