10 Dad Jokes Every Father Should Have In His Toolbox

Parenting doesn’t come with an instruction manual. 

New parents often refer to the boundless wonder of parenting as a continuous cycle of trying, failing, trying again, and failing better. Ironically, the phrase ‘baby steps’ isn’t exclusive to the newborn. 

But while parents are perpetually learning on the fly, one area of expertise is instilled in all fathers the very instant they meet eyes with their doting bundles of joy: an encyclopedic knowledge and affection for Dad Jokes. 

Dad Jokes, as first recognized by Merriam-Webster in 2019, are defined as short jokes, typically puns, presented as one-liners or questions and answers.

Along with love, optimism, and an admiration for freshly cut grass, Dad Jokes make up the very fabric of what it means to be a father. 

To test this claim, simply take your dad, or any dad, to his favorite restaurant. After finishing his meal, he’ll likely make a joke about needing to loosen his belt. Shortly after, the server will come over and ask dad if he enjoyed his ribeye. Looking down at the spotless plate, he’ll joke, almost reflexively and without fail:

“It was awful!  Send it back!” 

This doesn’t begin to scratch the surface of the breadth and depth of Dad Jokes, so as a brand that’s embraced the art of the pun since ‘94, it’s our duty to compile 10 of our favorites in honor of Father’s Day.