a person who criticizes or reproves with unsparing severity and frankness.
Origin
1820-30
Usage 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.
British Dictionary definitions for Dutch uncle
Dutch uncle
noun
1.
(informal) a person who criticizes or reproves frankly and severely
Slang definitions & phrases for Dutch uncle
Dutch uncle
noun phrase
A severely censorious person, usually a man: A ''Dutch uncle'' whose every word is reproof(1838+)
Idioms and Phrases with Dutch uncle
Dutch uncle
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 ]