Dutch uncle

American  

noun

Sometimes Offensive.

1. a person who criticizes or reproves with unsparing severity and frankness.

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Dutch uncle British  

noun

1. informal a person who criticizes or reproves frankly and severely

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Dutch uncle Idioms  

1. A stern, candid critic or adviser, as in When I got in trouble with the teacher again, the principal talked to me like a Dutch uncle. This expression, often put as talk to one like a Dutch uncle, presumably alludes to the sternness and sobriety attributed to the Dutch. [Early 1800s]

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Sensitive Note

Because Dutch is used here to describe someone manifesting the opposite of warm, affectionate, typically avuncular behavior, this term is sometimes perceived as insulting to or by the Dutch. See also Dutch.

Etymology

Origin of Dutch uncle

First recorded in 1820–30

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

Dutch uncle

Lin Piao is the Guards' command er, but their Dutch uncle seems to be Premier Chou Enlai.

From Time Magazine Archive

Then, in the tone of a Dutch uncle, he reviewed his Administration's foreign policy.

From Time Magazine Archive

Accordingly, Vorster last week treated Smith to a Dutch uncle talk that one diplomat described as "tough to the point of brutality."

From Time Magazine Archive

Economist Milton Gilbert, not only commands enormous respect among moneymen but often talks like a Dutch uncle to errant governments.

From Time Magazine Archive

He uses something like a thousand Italians, and a man to manage them who can talk to them like a Dutch uncle is what he has always needed.

From The Beautiful Lady by Booth Tarkington