Lie in front of the pampus
The Dutch phrase in front of pampus lies ( voor pampus liggen ) is derived from the shallow pampus near Amsterdam . It has multiple meanings, namely being drunk, passed out (from the heat) and incapacitated (from overeating).
Incapacity to act
At the time of the colonial world trade in the Netherlands, the heavily laden ships could not simply pass the port of Amsterdam. Ship camels were used to bring the ships into port . These were attached to the sides of the ships and reduced the draft. The ships were then pulled across the shallows by several small one-masters of the boatmen and fishermen from Marken . When the wind was bad, the ships lay in front of the pampus for days.
Full drunkenness
When the ships used to return from their long voyages to Amsterdam, the sailors were paid off, went ashore and squandered their wages on alcohol and women. Since the sailors were all from the area, they went home with no money. It was difficult for VOC recruiters to recruit new sailors from the province. Whenever they came to a village, they kept hearing mothers say to their sons, don't do it, it doesn't make any money . So the people from the VOC came up with a trick. As soon as the ships had to wait in front of the pampus, the sailors were given food, water and soap. Then a brothel was rented and the ladies and a lot of alcohol were brought on board. After three days the sailors were completely exhausted and went home with their money. This trick also made it easier for the recruiter.