“Dad Jokes”…we have all heard one a time or two in our lives, usually made by someone who actually is a dad. Sometimes, not. These awkward jokes may not get loads of laughter from the audience, but that doesn’t matter much. The jokes are primarily meant for the satisfaction of the joke-teller anyway.
What is a “Dad Joke”?
A Dad Joke is, “a wholesome joke of the type said to be told by fathers with a punchline that is often an obvious or predictable pun or play on words and usually judged to be endearingly corny or unfunny.”
Yep…I’d say that definition pretty well sums it up.
While the modern concept of Dad Jokes has been around since at least the 1980’s, the phrase didn’t make it to the Merriam-Webster dictionary until 2019. The growing popularity of the concept over just the last 20 years, may have had something to with that! These days, there are hundreds of books and articles devoted to Dad Jokes. That’s not to mention the many public groups, communities, and boards dedicated to this specific genre of humor. The audience is definitely there.
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Popular Dad Jokes:
– I’m afraid for the calendar. Its days are numbered.
– Why do fathers take an extra pair of socks when they go golfing? In case they get a hole in one!
– Did you know the first French fries weren’t actually cooked in France? They were cooked in Greece.
– Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? It has great food but no atmosphere.
– If Whole Foods sells sliced apples, is it false advertising?
A Recent Study…
I recently heard of a study (conducted by a Humour Researcher named Marc Hye-Knudsen) that was published in the British Psychological Society‘s journal. The topic of the study is “Dad Jokes” and positive effects the jokes have on children. The study has been getting quite a bit of attention throughout the mainstream media as well as social media. Being someone who hears Dad Jokes often enough in every day life, the headlines and questions caught my attention. After reading up on the study, I feel it is quite an interesting topic and one that is deserving of some thought.
The study aims to answer three major questions.
1. How can “unfunny jokes” be so popular within society?
2. Why are these “unfunny” jokes or “puns” associated specifically with dads?
3. Are there possible benefits to these lame jokes told by fathers to their children?
How can “unfunny jokes” be so popular within society?
Dad Jokes ultimately derive from puns. Because a pun involves a word that has two separate meanings at the same time (one meaning with a humorous intent), it goes against our normal understanding of the word. It catches us off guard. This usually leads us to have some sort of reaction such as eye rolling, a feeling of awkwardness or even embarrassment. This form of Anti-Humor (also sometimes compared to Cringe Comedy) then leads it to become funny in the end. The paradox that stems from the pun is just too absurd, to not acknowledge the humor of it. There happens to be millions of people currently in society that must feel the same way, given the popularity of the genre.
Why are these “unfunny” jokes or “puns” associated specifically with dads?
While mothers are generally known for their nurturing and emotionally supportive roles, Dads are known for pushing their children to be strong in life. Fathers tend to take a more aggressive and challenging approach through rough play and a teasing nature. One of these aggressive methods of teaching comes in the form of Dad Jokes. Because dads tend to engage with their children through harmless teasing and embarrassment, Dad Jokes are often present, thus associating them with dads overall. It is just one of many techniques a dad might use to help his child develop a more balanced approach to life in general.
Are there possible benefits to these lame jokes told by fathers to their children?
Think about it. As kids go through the adolescent stage of life, they become especially emotional, awkward, insecure, sensitive, etc. The study seems to suggest that by being exposed to Dad Jokes on a regular basis, children over time, will become less prone to being easily embarrassed or feeling awkward, overly emotional, etc. The random teasing and intentional attacks on their egos, will lead them to be more likely to learn impulse control, adapt to societal environments easier, develop more confidence, and so on. Essentially dad’s humor based approach to teaching his kids valuable life skills, results in his kids “growing tough skins” so to speak. They tend to be more resilient and better equipped when entering adult life. It helps them to become more immune to external forces and harmful intent.
Achieving strength usually requires some sort of challenge. There is no doubt that being plagued by lame, antagonistic jokes, will increase your mental and emotional strength over time!
Speaking of “Antagonistic”, Here Are More Lame Jokes…
– I only seem to get sick on weekdays. I must have a weekend immune system.
– Where do pirates get their hooks? Second hand stores.
– Do you know how many people are dead in that cemetery? All of them.
– Did you hear Darth Vader got remarried? Her name is Ellie Vader. She really uplifts him!
– Why don’t seagulls fly over the bay? Because then they’d be Bagels
Learning To Embrace Dad Jokes
While some kids may find the Jokes to be just another annoying character flaw of Dad’s, some actually embrace the awkward or lame jokes. Take my son for example. He finds humor in Everything, even the eye rolling jokes my husband throws out from time to time. Not only does he find humor in them, but we have even heard him repeating one here or there to a friend of his. He has even utilized Alexa a time or two, for the purpose of looking up corny jokes.
It seems to us his way of responding to the Dad Jokes he hears, is to go the extra mile to accumulate better jokes. There’s nothing wrong with that! In addition to building resilience toward awkwardness and embarrassment, he has also learned to utilize such tactics for his own advantage. Healthy competition!
Dad Jokes & Bonding
Learning resilience and growing a thicker skin, aren’t the only benefits of Dad Jokes. These terrible jokes are often used to create a lighter, stress free atmosphere within the home. With a more positive, humorous environment, there is more opportunity for strengthening relationships overall. I can see that point as being quite valid.
I, personally, give a thumbs up to all of the men (fathers or not) out there who take pride in their Dad Jokes.
True, they may get you the occasional eye roll or sarcastic comment, but those Not So Funny, Funny jokes do seem to serve a purpose. If nothing else, one particularly lame outburst will certainly alleviate the seriousness in any room.
Above all, look forward to smiling later when you overhear your kids telling the same ol’ lame jokes! And you Probably will.
Popular Dad Jokes You May Like…
Best dad jokes: 111 of the funniest one-liners and award-winning dad jokes
135 Best Dad Jokes That Are Actually Funny
Both my Dad and husband totally guilty of dad jokes. My Dad tends to be silly and the hubs is about “dumb jokes” but they keep us entertained. I love your son’s reaction and I think over the years, that how we all react to them both. It’s fun!
Humor, even silly humor, is one of the best things in life 🙂