False friendFeelingsDutch

Slim

Meaning: Actually means 'clever' or 'smart'. Hij is slim = He's clever.

Looks like: Slim (slender)

Origin: From Middle Dutch slim, 'crooked, cunning' — in Dutch it stayed on the clever side.

More false friends — Feelings

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  • Déception Actually means 'disappointment'. For deception (a trick), say tromperie.
  • Disgusto Actually means 'displeasure', 'upset', or 'trouble'. For disgust (revulsion), say asco.
  • Brutaal Actually means 'cheeky' or 'impudent'. For brutal, say wreed or bruut.
  • Esquisito Actually means 'strange', 'weird' or 'odd'. For exquisite, say requintado.

More Dutch false friends

  • Beer Actually means 'bear'. The drink you order is een bier.
  • Big Actually means 'piglet'. For big, say groot.
  • Kind Actually means 'child'. For kind (nice), say aardig or vriendelijk.
  • Wet Actually means 'law'. For wet, say nat.
  • Elf Actually means 'eleven'. Elf uur = eleven o'clock.
  • Slagroom Actually means 'whipped cream'.

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