Home › False Friends

Stout

Meaning: Actually means 'naughty' or 'mischievous'. Een stoute jongen = a naughty boy.

Language: Dutch

Literally: stout (stocky)

Category: Feelings

Origin: From Middle Dutch stout, 'bold/daring' — in Dutch it drifted toward misbehaviour.

More false friends — Feelings

  • Rolig — Actually means 'calm' or 'quiet'. (Confusingly, in Swedish rolig means 'funny' — a false…
  • Déception — Actually means 'disappointment'. For deception (a trick), say tromperie.
  • Disgusto — Actually means 'displeasure', 'upset', or 'trouble'. For disgust (revulsion), say asco.
  • Embarazada — Actually means 'pregnant'. For embarrassed, say avergonzado/a.
  • Sensible — Actually means 'sensitive'. For sensible/level-headed, say raisonnable.
  • Bravo — Actually means 'good, skilled, well-behaved'. For brave, say coraggioso.

More Dutch false friends

  • Slim — Actually means 'clever' or 'smart'. Hij is slim = He's clever.

← Back to False Friends

Loading the full interactive collection…