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

Fresh from reputedly lecturing King Carol of Rumania for two hours like a Dutch uncle, M. Barthou wisely did not take that tone with King Alexander.

From Time Magazine Archive

Having a Dutch uncle has won Peapod its first operating profit since the high-tech home-delivery service was founded in 1989.

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

Last week 69-year-old Jonkheer Dirk Jan de Geer, leader of The Netherlands' Christian Historical Party, talked like a Dutch uncle to his parliamentary colleagues.

From Time Magazine Archive

I have never heard what he said, but according to accounts he made good his threat to talk to Buno "like a Dutch uncle".

From Adventures in Swaziland The Story of a South African Boer by O'Neil, Owen Rowe