"Hi Hungry, I'm Dad!" — The Irresistible (and Cringeworthy) Power of Dad Jokes
We all know one. The father figure who, with impeccable timing and zero shame, delivers a pun so painfully obvious it loops back around to being hilarious. That, dear reader, is the Dad Joke: a unique brand of humour that's equal parts clever wordplay and affectionate embarrassment.
Defined by their corny, pun-based nature, Dad Jokes are groan-inducing by design. They live in the sweet spot between cringe and comfort, and while they often cause eye-rolls, they also spark something deeper—laughter rooted in love.
From Bad Puns to Internet Icons
Dad Jokes have been around as long as language itself—puns and wordplay were recorded in ancient Sumerian texts. But the term "Dad Joke" only gained traction in the late 20th century, initially as a gentle jab at the predictable punchlines favoured by fathers. What started as a hallmark of cheesy family humour has since morphed into a global comedy genre.
With the rise of social media, Dad Jokes have found a whole new audience. TikTok creators don "dad" personas to deliver perfectly timed groaners, while Instagram and Reddit are full of accounts dedicated entirely to this style of humour. A few have even gone viral, like:
"I only know 25 letters of the alphabet. I don't know y."
"What do you call a fish wearing a bowtie? Sofishticated."
These jokes aren't trying to be edgy or cool. And that's exactly the point.
Why We Secretly Love Them
Psychologically, Dad Jokes tap into the power of safe humour. They're non-threatening, easy to remember, and usually rated G—making them perfect for families. Research into humour and bonding suggests that shared laughter, even from a pun, helps build emotional closeness. When Dad tells a joke, it's less about the punchline and more about the moment.
Dad Jokes also bridge generations. Kids groan at them, but years later, often find themselves repeating them. It's a subtle rite of passage—and a reminder of where we come from.
Stories from the Frontlines of Pun
Sydney mum Jo recalls her daughter shouting, "Not again!" every time her husband asks if she "wants a pizza joke... never mind, it's too cheesy." But, she says, "those are the moments we remember. The groans are part of the laughter."
Teenager Marcus, meanwhile, confesses to rolling his eyes at his dad's jokes—until he found himself telling the same ones to his mates at school. "It's like they sneak up on you. You think you hate them, but you actually love them."
The Joke's Not Over
Despite changing tastes and trends, Dad Jokes remain timeless. They're reminders of connection, simplicity, and not taking ourselves too seriously. In a world that often leans towards sarcasm and snark, Dad Jokes offer a wholesome antidote—predictable, yes, but reliably warm-hearted.
So next time someone says, "Did you hear the rumour about butter?" and follows it up with, "Well, I'm not going to spread it," don't fight the groan. Embrace it. That's the sound of a joke doing precisely what it was meant to.