Dad Jokes

The Aussies talk about this a lot..... not sure if the English do, must find out.

Our dear old Dad is notorious for this in our family. So this article from a weekend paper sums it up.

"Now that we've all come down from the euphoric high of Christmas bonbon gags, you're probably wondering how we can enjoy that wonderful brand of humour year round.After all, why should such dazzling comedy be contained to one 15-minute frenzy of miniature yoyos and stylish paper crowns? Oh, don't worry, I hear and agree with you: it shouldn't. We should have access to hilarious puns, snappy wordplay and clever quips all the time.

Thankfully, there is a sector of society that gallantly carries this comic flame 365 days a year: dads. Celebrated for their wisdom, life experience and leaning the outdoor chairs against the table when rain threatens, the common father is also known for his ability to solicit great mirth from any crowd and situation using a powerful, ancient tool called 'dad jokes'.

Dad jokes, for those who are unfamiliar, are generally written off as lame, cringe-worthy and unfunny, yet others consider them to be absolutely intolerable. I personnally think they are tragically underrated.

Take a simple family dinner. "I'm hungry", you complain, seeing that the food is still ages away. "Hi, Hungry, I'm Martin," a fast-thinking dad might say, defusing the situation. Wonderful stuff! You pour gravy on your meat. "Fancy some lamb with your gravy?" asks Dad. Uproarious laughter! Dad drops a pea on the table as he serves himself. "Oh no...I've gone and pea-d on the table!" The room erupts again! You ask if you can please leave the table. "Sure...but can you leave it somewhere we can all find it at breakfast tomorrow?" And the family cracks up once more. What fun.

Dad jokes deserve more respect. These guys work tirelessly to make us laugh with their hilarious puns, classic jokes and perfect delivery, and all they receive by way of thanks are loud groans, eye rolls and the occasional tea towel to the head.

It saddens me that I'll never be a father and, therefore, enjoy the elevated status and popularity that comes with telling dad jokes. Oh, well. Guess I'll have to find amother kind of schtick. (Zzzzzing!)"

Zoe Foster Blake

January 2014