History of Dad joke in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: June 17, 2024

Dad jokes are short, typically pun-based jokes, often delivered as one-liners or questions with punchline answers. They are usually harmless and told with genuine lightheartedness, aiming for a chuckle or a groan due to their simplistic humor.

June 1987: "Don't ban the 'Dad' jokes; preserve and revere them"

Jim Kalbaugh published an article in The Gettysburg Times in June 1987 defending "Dad" jokes, marking the first known published use of the term.

2008: Dad Jokes on "How I Met Your Mother"

The term "dad jokes" was featured in the American sitcom "How I Met Your Mother" in 2008.

2009: Dad Jokes on "Spicks and Specks"

The Australian quiz show "Spicks and Specks" mentioned "dad jokes" in 2009.

August 2017: Rise of Dad Jokes on Social Media and Launch of #dadjokesrule Campaign

In August 2017, the hashtag #dadjokes gained significant traction on Twitter, becoming one of the platform's most popular. Recognizing the trend's potential, the U.S. Administration for Children and Families partnered with the Ad Council to launch the #dadjokesrule campaign, aimed at leveraging the popularity of dad jokes to promote positive father-child interactions.

September 2019: "Dad joke" Added to Merriam-Webster Dictionary

The term "dad joke" was officially recognized and added to the Merriam-Webster dictionary in September 2019.

October 2021: Men's Health Publishes "The Best Dad Jokes of All Time"

In October 2021, Men's Health curated and published a collection of 200 dad jokes, categorizing them into humorous themes such as puns, "groaners", "sick" jokes, parenting humor, and jokes about wives.

May 2022: Today Publishes a List of 225 Dad Jokes

In May 2022, "Today" released its own compilation of 225 dad jokes, offering a diverse selection that included jokes deemed more suitable for adults than for children.

2023: Nationwide Dad Joke Survey

In 2023, a survey of 1,500 American fathers and their partners revealed the most popular dad joke across nine U.S. states, with Pennsylvania and Delaware taking the lead.