Dutch uncle

Dutch uncle is a term for a person who sternly lectures, comments or criticizes with unsparing severity and blunt frankness, to educate, encourage or admonish someone, often with benevolent intent, as though an elder relative or "uncle."

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Originating in the early 1800s, this expression, often put as talk to one like a Dutch uncle, presumably alludes to the sternness and sobriety attributed to the Dutch. Some, though, have speculated that it may allude to qualities attributed to the Deutsch (Germans).

Related Topics:
1800s - Dutch - Germans

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Example: "When I was late for class, the teacher talked to me like a Dutch uncle."

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See also: List of common phrases based on stereotypes

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