plasterkoppen

Plasterkoppen is a term historically used in the Netherlands and Belgium to refer to English people. The origin of the word is uncertain, but it is thought to derive from the English practice of using plaster or whitewash to protect their ships from the sea. Another theory suggests it relates to the appearance of English soldiers' faces after battle, covered in dust and sweat. The term was generally used in a somewhat derogatory or dismissive manner, though not always intensely so.

The usage of "plasterkoppen" dates back to at least the 17th century, a period marked by significant maritime and military rivalry between the Dutch Republic and England. During this era, the term would have been common in contexts discussing trade, naval warfare, and general interactions between the two nations. While its use has declined considerably over time, it can still occasionally be encountered in historical discussions or in more informal, sometimes nostalgic, contexts. It is not considered a common or widely understood term in contemporary Dutch or Flemish society.