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

Today their relationship is almost that of father & son� or son and Dutch uncle.

From Time Magazine Archive

Last week he talked like a Dutch uncle to a Manhattan gathering of 600 medicos and hospital administrators.

From Time Magazine Archive

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

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

He has no right to talk to me like a Dutch uncle!

From Patty Blossom by Wells, Carolyn