User:Bombabluudclaart/Dad joke

Modern Usage
Modern usage of dad jokes can be traced back to the 20th century with the rise of radio and television. Comedians like Bob Hope and Milton Berle gained fame for their cheesy one-liners and puns, setting the stage for the emergence of the term "dad joke". While these jokes were simple and predictable, they consistently elicited laughter, laying the foundation for the humor genre.

The term "dad joke" gained popularity in the 1980s, as recorded by the Oxford English Dictionary in a 1987 article from the Gettysburg Times. Described as "unfashionable, uncool, and somewhat embarrassing," dad jokes found their way into the cultural lexicon, evolving over the years to become a beloved form of humor.

Cultural Phenomenon in the 21st Century
In the 21st century, dad jokes have become more than just a form of humor. Memes, viral videos, and even a dedicated holiday (National Tell a Joke Day on August 16th) celebrate the enduring popularity of dad jokes. Due to their inoffensive nature and simple concept, dad jokes are shared across all ages, all industries, and any occasion.

Psychology
Psychologists argue that dad jokes work due to their status as "benign violations". While these jokes violate expectations, they do so harmlessly, eliciting laughter without causing discomfort. The predictability and cheesiness contribute to their charm, making dad jokes a unique and endearing form of humor.

Furthermore, dad jokes serve a psychological purpose, particularly in the parent-child relationship. These jokes, often characterized by a violation of joke-telling norms, can be considered a form of anti-humor. Fathers, or "dads," may use dad jokes as a means of teasing their children, playfully embarrassing them while establishing a connection through shared laughter.

Dad jokes may play a crucial role in parent-child relationships. The jokes manifest an ancient fatherly impulse to tease one's children, evolving into a contemporary form of good natured teasing. By violating norms of joke-telling in a purposeful yet harmless way, fathers create a bonding experience with their children.

Typically, fathers exhibit a tendency to tease and challenge their children. Dad jokes are a mechanism in which children can be conditioned to be more resistance to societal expectations. The lighthearted teasing and subversion of expectation may contribute to a child's sense of confidence and judgment as they become more capable to withstanding dad jokes. Through the conditioning of disappointment, a child may become more less affected by an expectation and become less affected by social challenges they may encounter in their adult life.

A recent study published by the British Psychological Society sheds light on the educational value of dad jokes. Contrary to their reputation as dumb or cringe-worthy, these jokes have the capacity to make us better humans. The emphasis on unfunniness of dad jokes is precisely what makes them funny, offering two significant benefits to children. The basis of dad jokes is the irony in delivering a joke which lacks humorous content, akin to an anti-joke. The child then develops a response to the joke, in either irritation or disappointment. This notion allows a child to appreciate humor and understand the bounds of what is funny and not funny.

Dad jokes showcase a father figure's willingness to embarrass himself repeatedly, fostering a sense of vulnerability and authenticity in the parent-child relationship. A father's example may help children feel more comfortable about relationships and expression. Additionally, exposure to eye-rolling humor teaches children to be comfortable with awkwardness and how to respond to it, building resilience and self-empowerment. In a sense, children can learn to take ownership of uncomfortable situations and transform it into a lighthearted atmosphere.