Wet

Meaning: Actually means 'law'. For wet, say nat.

Language: Dutch

Literally: wet (damp)

Category: Everyday

Origin: From Proto-Germanic *witōþą, 'law', related to weten, 'to know' — no connection to English 'wet'.

More false friends — Everyday

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• Puxe — Actually means 'pull' — the imperative of puxar. The door sign telling you to push says e…
• Costume — Actually means 'custom' or 'habit'. Como de costume = as usual. An outfit is um traje or…
• Barn — Actually means 'child'. A barn is en lada.
• Sex — Actually means 'six'. Klockan sex = six o'clock.

More Dutch false friends

• Brutaal — Actually means 'cheeky' or 'impudent'. For brutal, say wreed or bruut.
• Slagroom — Actually means 'whipped cream'.
• 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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