Vocabulary help

Question

What is a luncheon where everyone pays for their own lunch ,called?
It does not necessarily have to be a luncheon. I want to know the general way of suggesting that in an eating out one has to pay for oneself and none is going to buy for the rest. I would like to the expressions used in formal English as well as those used in informal conversations.

Please also suggest a better way to ask the question

Billyd · Accepted Answer

Hello,

The slang term for this is Dutch Treat or going Dutch.
If you are verbally inviting people out to eat after work or a basic get together with friends, just ask "Is anyone interested in going Dutch at (give the name of the restaurant, date and time)? You can also send an email:

Dutch Treat
Place:
Date:
Time:

Please let me know if you are interested. Thank you.

If it is a formal invitation, then some will consider going Dutch as being cheap.

Anonymous · Answer

AnonymousWhat is a luncheon

This is stilted. You should see the definition here http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/luncheon In everyday English, people normally say lunch.

Anonymous · Answer

billydHello,The slang term for this is Dutch Treat or going Dutch.

It would be helpful for learners if you explain where in the world, that term is used. Is it the USA?

Fivejedjon · Answer

I don't know about other countries, but it's common enough in British English.

CalifJim · Answer

fivejedjonit's common enough in British English.

In American English as well.

CJ

Wilpeter · Answer

I’d say it’s used in Canada also.

The wording of the question suggests Anonymous is looking for a broader application. For example, I’m expressing politely to a group of employees that those (people) interested in discussing our plans for the year are invited to meet at Harvey’s Restaurant today at noon. I would add, “Bring or buy your lunch, and we’ll try to get a table or two in the back corner.”

In the case that I were asking one employee, to whom I need to give detailed task-oriented directions, I would normally be expected to pick up the cost of his meal—so, to avoid the embarrassment of a misunderstanding, I would add, “I don’t have authority to put this on my expense account, so we’ll be getting separate checks/bills.”

Where, instead, a fellow asks a female acquaintance (who he doesn’t wish to embarrass or ‘scare away’) to lunch with him, he might include “Dutch treat, of course.” Dutch treat, gives the person being asked to attend the option of ordering what he/she would rather eat—instead of being limited to what he/she thinks the person who asked would be prepared to buy.

As far as I know, people living in Holland wouldn’t call it ‘Dutch treat’.

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