False friendFeelingsDutch

Brutaal

Meaning: Actually means 'cheeky' or 'impudent'. For brutal, say wreed or bruut.

Looks like: Brutal

Origin: From Latin brutalis via French brutal — Dutch settled on nerve and backchat, English on savagery.

More false friends — Feelings

  • Esquisito Actually means 'strange', 'weird' or 'odd'. For exquisite, say requintado.
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More Dutch false friends

  • Slagroom Actually means 'whipped cream'.
  • Mening Actually means 'opinion'. Mijn mening = my opinion. The meaning of a word is its betekeni…
  • Slim Actually means 'clever' or 'smart'. Hij is slim = He's clever.
  • Stout Actually means 'naughty' or 'mischievous'. Een stoute jongen = a naughty boy.
  • Beer Actually means 'bear'. The drink you order is een bier.
  • Big Actually means 'piglet'. For big, say groot.

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