Either Dad Jokes have exploded in popularity over the past decade or I became more aware of them since I became a Dad 10 years ago. Either way, I think we can all agree that Dad Jokes are family favorites for their puns and corniness. That got me thinking, when does a joke become a Dad Joke?
This post will work to answer that question. I was surprised to see that both Wikipedia and Merriam-Webster Dictionary have a take on this question. There are common themes that encompass all Dad Jokes. Here are the criteria that define when a joke becomes a Dad Joke.
When Does a Joke Become a Dad Joke Criteria
Corny Meter
Dad Jokes should be high on the Corny Meter. Dad Jokes are often obvious. The humor is often found more in the corniness of the joke than the actual joke. Corny jokes rate very high in the Dad community!
Length
Dad Jokes should be short. This is partially due to the simplicity of the joke and also partially due to the audience’s (kids) attention span. These should be simple and short to deliver the best punch similar to other types of kid jokes.
Clean
Dad Jokes are family friendly. Although there is some hilarity in dirty jokes, there is no room for filth in Dad Jokes. Dad Jokes should be understood by kids and also kid appropriate.
Style
Dad Jokes need to be one liners or question and reply. Dad jokes are not stories or normally topical in nature.
Dad Joke Examples
- Q: What type of shoes does the chicken wear when it crosses the road? A: Ree-bok-bok-bok-bok
- Q: Why don’t pirates take a bath before they walk the plank? A: They just wash up on shore.
- I was addicted to the hokey pokey…but I turned myself around.
- Q: What invention allows us to see through walls? A: Windows.
- Q: What is the scariest tree? A: Bam-boo
- Q: What do you call a Fish with no Eyes? A: Fsh
- Barbers…you have to take your hat off to them.
- Why do we park on driveways and drive on parkways?
- Fish is brain food…you should eat a whale.
- Q: What did one plate say to another plate? A: Tonight, dinner’s on me.
- Son: Dad, I’m hungry. Dad: Hi hungry, I’m Dad.
- I sold our vacuum cleaner; it was just gathering dust.
- Q: What sound does a witch’s car make? A: Broom broom!
- Q: What is blue and not very heavy? A: Light Blue
- Q: Where do you find a cow with no legs? A: Wherever you left it.
- Q: Why does Waldo wear a striped shirt? A: Because he doesn’t want to be spotted.
- I had a great joke about COVID… but I don’t want to spread it around.
- Q: What happens when it rains cats and dogs? A: You have to be careful not to step in a poodle.
- I used to hate facial hair…but then it grew on me.
- Q: How did the pirate get his ship so cheap? A: It was on sail.
- Q: What did the Ocean say to the Beach? A: Nothing it just waved.
- I’m so good at sleeping that I can do it with my eyes closed.
- Our dog is a genius. I asked him, “What’s two minus two?” He said nothing.
- I used to be able to play piano by ear, but now I have to use my hands.
- My boss asked me why I only get sick on work days. I said it must be my weekend immune system.
When a Dad Joke Becomes a Dad Joke
I hope this explained when a joke becomes a dad joke. Keep it Corny, Short, Clean and either a Question/Answer or One Liner in style. I hoped this gave you some joke ideas. You now know the criteria that makes up when a joke becomes a Dad Joke, so start to test yours out. Find a good one and you will have the kids in tears…or trying to hide from you in public…