Dutch uncle

English

Etymology

From 1828.^[1] See also Dutch uncle on Wikipedia.Wikipedia

Noun

Dutch uncle (plural Dutch uncles)

1. One who reproves in a blunt, stern manner intended for the benefit of the recipient.
   • 2003, Harlan Wygant, The Samurai Conspiracy, iUniverse, page 59:

     I talked like a Dutch uncle to convince them they would be in the way if they came out too.

   • 2007, Peter Michael Briscoe, The Best Read Man in France: A Cautionary Tale‎, Wildside Press (The Borgo Press), page 41:

     The accountant was an older guy named Barney who always played the role of Dutch uncle to Michael's high flying ways, but on this occasion he read him the riot act.

   • 1996, Richard Kluger, Ashes to Ashes: America's Hundred-Year Cigarette War, the Public Health, and the Unabashed Triumph of Philip Morris‎, Random House (Alfred A. Knopf), page 287:

     Gruff but kindly, with dark-rimmed glasses prone to slip down his prominent ruddy nose and an unlit cigar habitually clenched in his teeth, he was everyone's Dutch uncle and let even strangers call him “Maggie” to his face.

Usage notes

Although in some expressions Dutch is used as a pejorative or to denote inferiority, Dutch uncle appears to be neutral; the advice, although gruffly given, is often appreciated, and the person giving it is regarded with affection.

References

1. Douglas Harper (2001–2024) “Dutch”, in Online Etymology Dictionary.

Anagrams

• unclutched