To give [someone] stick

To mock or criticise.

The origin is simple: it comes from literally beating someone with a stick. However, now it only refers to verbal criticism rather than corporal punishment

I got a lot of stick for dropping out of university and choosing to travel the world instead, but I think it was a good decision for me.

I just know my teacher is going to give me stick for not having completed my homework!

Timothy’s family gave him a lot of stick for choosing to marry someone whom they didn’t approve of, but even his parents have to admit that the couple get on like a house on fire.