The Enduring Appeal and Surprising Psychology of Groan-Worthy Humor
Ever told your dad, “Dad, I’m hungry,” only to get the response, “Hi Hungry, I’m Dad”? If so, you’ve encountered a classic dad joke—those groan-worthy, eye-roll-inducing quips that are so bad they’re good. But what exactly makes a joke a “dad joke”? And why do they manage to be both terrible and hilarious?
From Bad Jokes to Dad Jokes
Dads come in all shapes and sizes with a myriad of interests, from vinyl records to grilling burgers, but one thing many dads share is their love for making corny jokes. A classic example: a son asks his dad for his sunglasses, and the dad replies, “Sure, if you pass me my dad-glasses.” It’s predictable, it’s punny, and it’s undeniably a dad joke.
According to Merriam-Webster, a dad joke is defined as “a wholesome joke of the type said to be told by fathers, often involving a pun or wordplay, and typically considered to be endearingly corny or unfunny.”
The History of Dad Jokes
While the term “dad joke” was officially recognized by Merriam-Webster in 2019, its origins trace back further. The phrase first appeared in print in 1987 in an article by Jim Kalbaugh in the Gettysburg Times, where he encouraged readers to cherish dad jokes as a treasured aspect of fatherhood.
However, dad jokes have likely been around much longer. Mike Fontaine, a classics professor at Cornell University, found evidence of dad jokes in ancient Roman literature. Additionally, Marc Hye-Knudsen, a humor researcher, notes that many cultures have their own versions of dad jokes, such as the Japanese “oyaji gyagu” (old men’s gags) and Danish “onkel humor” (uncle humor).
The Psychology Behind Dad Jokes
Unlike edgy jokes that rely on shock value, dad jokes are typically clean and suitable for all ages. They are simple and often revolve around puns, making them easy for children to understand and laugh at. Despite their simplicity, dad jokes have a unique charm that makes them funny even when they shouldn’t be.
Hye-Knudsen suggests that dad jokes function as a form of anti-humor. They defy conventional expectations of what makes a joke funny, yet they still provoke laughter through their sheer predictability and corniness.
Moreover, dad jokes may play a role in helping children develop resilience. By frequently exposing their children to jokes that are intentionally cheesy and embarrassing, dads might be helping their kids build a tolerance for embarrassment, boosting their confidence in social situations.
Therapist Marissa Moore highlights the therapeutic benefits of laughter induced by dad jokes. Laughter reduces stress by lowering stress hormone levels and releasing endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals. It also fosters social connections, improves mood, and can alleviate anxiety and depression.
Dad Jokes in Action
Consider a scenario where a dad uses humor to defuse a potentially tense situation. Imagine you’re learning to grill, but the burgers end up burnt. Instead of getting upset, your dad says, “Impressive work, kiddo. You just burned 2,000 calories without setting foot in the gym.” This light-hearted comment shifts the mood, making everyone laugh and easing the tension.
Celebrating Father’s Day with Dad Jokes
This Father’s Day, why not challenge Dad to a pun-off? Prepare some dad jokes in advance to see if you can out-joke the master. For instance, if you’re making a pancake breakfast, start with a joke: “What do bus drivers put on their morning pancakes? Traffic jam.” See if Dad can top that, or if you can out-groan him with your own puns.
And here’s a parting dad joke for Father’s Day: Do you know the difference between a psychologist and a magician? A magician makes rabbits appear in hats, while a psychologist makes habits appear in rats. Happy Father’s Day!
Sources:
- https://youtu.be/SAgYiERRDPY?si=u5X_ErShQs_2XB1a
- https://www.ky3.com/2024/06/10/why-dad-jokes-crack-us-up-surprising-psychology-explained/
- https://chatgpt.com/
- https://readloud.net/
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