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

Air Force playing the role of a straitlaced, old-fashioned Dutch uncle.

From Time Magazine Archive

Uncle Sam's voice was more like that of a Dutch uncle whose main message was: do it yourself�and this is how.

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

Chairman Roger Blough, a onetime schoolteacher, lectured Jack Kennedy like a Dutch uncle.

From Time Magazine Archive

"I saw him talking like a Dutch uncle when I was waiting for you to come along this noon."

From Fast Nine or, A Challenge from Fairfield by Douglas, Alan