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One of the best things about becoming a father is getting a power-up: you now intuitively know how to crack goofy puns. Whether there’s a family crisis or the household’s mood is plummeting, it’s always there, ready at their disposal to make our eyes roll.

While dads are essentially the embodiment of a cringe-fest, there’s something undeniably charming about the way they go about life. Enter the Classic Dad Moves Instagram page.

From dads goofing around the BBQ to spot-on dad memes that all dads undoubtedly will chuckle at, this page is truly “saving the world one dad joke at a time”.

Prepare to roll your eyes, dear pandas, because we hand-picked the dandiest of them all.

#1

Biker dad posing with woman, promoting child protection group G.O.C. in park setting.

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Ah, the enigmatic energy of dads with their terrible, terrible yet wholesome puns. Believe it or not, in 2019, the term 'dad joke' made its way into Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary as "a wholesome joke of the type said to be told by fathers with a punchline that is often an obvious or predictable pun or play on words and usually judged to be endearingly corny or unfunny." But as in all art forms, can we pin down dad humor to a single, limited definition?

As Stanley Dubinsky, a Professor of Linguistics at the University of South Carolina and the father of two boys, explains, it's not so simple. "Dads are, in our culture, entrusted with teaching some of these things to their children, and one might think of dad jokes as a kind of 'introduction to humor,'" he told Bored Panda in an email. "They’re dad jokes because they’re unsophisticated, but they’re unsophisticated because children are just beginning to learn how humor works."

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    #2

    Dad building in the backyard for a wedding, showing classic dad moves with dedication and effort.

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    Dana Trahan
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    You are very loved by your dad. I hope your day is beautiful!!!

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    Dad jokes, we are told, often utilize the power of ambiguity or double entendre to add humor to their punchlines. "What did the janitor say when he jumped out of the closet?” “Supplies!” Sure, the setup of this joke is quite obvious, with a couple of letters substituted with near-sounding ones. However, there are some which require more effort on the wordplay, considering the age (and generation) of your audience. Prepare to roll your eyes: 'What concert costs just 45 cents? 50 Cent featuring Nickelback!'

    "I don’t think that dads explicitly and consciously frame dad jokes for their audience," Dubinsky said. "Rather, in the same way that we avoid complicated nuanced words with children (pointing out a 'horse' rather than a 'mare' or a 'stallion'), we make humor legible for children to help onboard them into that world."

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    #3

    Man in diner being playful with a spoon, embodying classic dad moves, with a sundae on the table.

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    Take me to dinner first
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I love this, please people, dont feel ashamed by your parents

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    #5

    Person reading a humorous meme about classic dad tasks and unexpected manual labor expectations.

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    David Wambold
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Why don't you start by clearing out that quarry no one has touched for a century. I'll get you a shovel.

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    But helping kids understand the appeal and rules of humor is not the only good thing about dad jokes. According to recent research conducted by Marc Hye-Knudsen, a humor researcher from Aarhus University, dad jokes can actually play a role in helping children develop the ability to handle embarrassment and grow into self-assured adults.

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    #6

    Man in glasses and plaid shirt sitting with cash, illustrating classic dad moves humor.

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    Mimi La Souris
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    "c'est pas versailles ici !!!" (it's not the castel of Versailles here) the sentence my GenX french head heard aaaaall my childhood :D

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    #8

    Dad's classic move depicted in a meme with a humorous reaction image below the text conversation.

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    KJ
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I used to just roll with it, I was whatever age one of my parents chose.

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    Turns out, by regularly hearing these cringey jokes, children can build up a higher tolerance for embarrassment, which can ultimately have a positive impact on their personal growth. The repetitive nature of hearing the same joke over and over also helps children develop endurance. "They show their children that embarrassment isn’t fatal. For a child who is approaching or has entered adolescence, which appears to be a sensitive period for sociocultural processing, this is an immensely valuable lesson," Hye-Knudsen writes.

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    #9

    Man sitting, ready to share his early wakeup story, capturing classic dad moves humor.

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    Mrs Irish Mom
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Ha my dad 🙈 up since 5am waiting to tell us that hes up early then goes to have a nap

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    #10

    Man carries TV with caption about classic dad moves after checkout issue.

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    KJ
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I'm sure the cashiers never get tired of hearing that line. Honest.....

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    #11

    Man standing by window, holding a soda can, embodying classic dad moves with a humorous caption about remote control suspicion.

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    Mrs Irish Mom
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    When he presses the find my remote button and my a$s beeps...

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    However, why does this type of humor make us cringe like no other combination of syllables? "Dad jokes and their relevance for children come apart when they’re used between adults. In those cases, we tend to use them to be silly, to relax the conversational mood, or sometimes to be annoying," Dubinsky admitted, noting that deep down most fathers understand they're embarrassing to their kids, which makes dad jokes even more effective.

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    #13

    Man with glasses in a suit looking frustrated out of a car window, showcasing classic dad moves humor.

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    James016
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    It adds up. My local Tesco charge 142.9p per litre. Costco charge 134.9p Makes all the difference

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    #14

    Dad humor meme of a man in a green outfit racing trash bins, symbolizing classic dad moves in neighborhood competition.

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    KJ
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Each week! I wish, monthly pickups nowadays in my area.

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    "Clearly, dad jokes don’t have the same utility among adults who have acquired a sophisticated ability to parse jokes, and so the act of using them in such company usually carries more connotations than the meaning of the joke itself," Dubinsky said. "If people groan, they may do so out of annoyance. Or perhaps because they’re supposed to groan – and thereby acknowledge that they have understood the tacit agenda behind using one."

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    #15

    Man on ship deck looking out to sea, embodying classic dad moves with humorous text overlay.

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    Isabelle Lamarque
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My dad used to work on cargo ships until I was born. Every year we'd go to the UK by ferry and he'd stand outside on the deck almost the entire time, rain or sunshine. 🥰 He misses the sea but has always said that he'd missed me more if he'd continued his sealife ❤️🥰

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    #16

    Cat meme with sleepy expression illustrating a classic dad moment of struggling to watch a whole movie in one go.

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    Edward Dwyer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I can only watch things in 20-40mins increments depending

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    #17

    Cartoon character shows classic dad moves: confused with friends' names, focused on weather forecast.

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    Jason
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My preschooler when I ask him where his shoes he was just wearing are vs 6 months ago when I said we would get ice cream

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    #18

    Spiderman face depicting classic dad moves, captioned about spending $300 on garden mulch.

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    SCamp
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Our local council has a free mulch mountain, seriously big, and you can take however much you want out of it, free. Reckon I haven’t hit that sucker 10+ times?

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    #19

    Chilled person with frost, humorously showing classic dad move about thermostat and staying warm with a blanket.

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    Edward Dwyer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I usually said to put a sweater or robe on.

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    #21

    Orangutan driving a golf cart, humorously illustrating classic dad moves with multiple Home Depot trips.

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    A girl
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I have a two visit per store per day rule. Also have three hardware stores about the same distance. I have visited all three on the same day/project.

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    #22

    Dad meme showing a concerned expression after forgetting to thaw chicken when mom arrives, highlighting classic dad moves.

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    Susan Robinson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I DON’T KNOW WHY IT ISN’T THAWED!!! Maybe the chicken is bad 😅

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    #23

    Man playing cello with closed eyes, epitomizing classic dad brain during grilling and chilling moments.

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    howdylee
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    nothing better than the garage fridge beers :)

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    #24

    Man pointing at his reflection in a mirror with text about dad moves and grunting noises while sitting down.

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    A girl
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Over 40 law. We have to. Now if he could stop making low growling noises when he eats, that'd be cool.

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    #25

    Blurry meme of dad bursting through door at 6am, humorously capturing classic dad moves.

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    MargyB
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not my Dad. We are all long sleepers

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    #26

    Dad brain meme: Silhouette of a man's head with "NO" bubble, reflecting forgetfulness before grocery shopping.

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    #27

    Man in a suit in an audience setting, representing classic dad humor about saying "I guess it's free" at the cashier.

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    Susan Robinson
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Jesus…I just did this the other day at Family Dollar when the toilet paper wouldn’t scan

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    #28

    Crowd of excited people, capturing the chaotic humor of classic dad moves.

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    Jason
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Would also be a picture of my wallet empty. Any other dads around to have a discussion on the current and trending lumber prices. I mean have you seen the cost of some 3/4in plywood lately

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    #29

    Shrek lying awake, reflecting on classic dad moves with a relatable meme caption about early kitchen noises.

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    Jason
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That's my son bursting in my door at 530a on the dot

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    #30

    Wrestling scene with dad standing in the ring, inner dad brain humor captioned above a crowd cheering.

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    Timothy Shallahamer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Pandas over 21 hear me out. You get to the airport 3+ hours early, check your bags, then bar hop your way to your flight. It's a life changing experience.

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    #31

    Dad's garage fridge packed with Samuel Adams beer cans, humorously depicting classic dad moves.

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    Timothy Shallahamer
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    All the hate for Sam Adams... I will forever stan Sam Adams Summer Ale. It's the most light, crisp, refreshing beer in the world.

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    #32

    Runners mimicking family trying to keep up with classic dad moves at the airport.

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    LesAnimaux
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My dad uses a mobility aid, but he speedwalks anyway. And when he has decided on a route, we all clear the path for him like it's some weird game of curling. I love my dad though 🥰

    bi_mushr00m
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    other way round for me, my family usually has to keep up with me, they call me a New York walker.

    Dee
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    And end up in New York instead of Miami.

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    #33

    Man determinedly goes outside during a storm, embodying classic dad moves humor.

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    MargyB
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Not my Dad (again lol). Mum mowed the lawns

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    #34

    Elderly man in a restaurant reacting with a classic dad look, holding cutlery.

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    Chris B
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Nope, that's the dad line, kids aren't allowed to use that one. That and 'can I get this to go?' when my plate is empty

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    #35

    Batman meme with "free firewood" signal in the sky, labeled "Dads," reflecting classic dad humor.

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    Isa's left eye
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I actually enjoy chopping my own firewood (when there's an opportunity, about once every 5 years)

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    #36

    Dad supervising kids in toy cars on a sunny day, showcasing classic dad moves.

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    Jason
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I did upgrade my son's power wheel to use 18v batteries and rubber wheels. He can wheelie down the driveway in it

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    #37

    Man sitting with a beer, describing effort into brisket cooking, illustrating classic dad moves humor.

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    Jason
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I mean a big one takes like 18+ hours low and slow

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    #38

    Man in grocery store aisle, caption highlighting classic dad moves and forgetfulness about shopping list.

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    Pieter LeGrande
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    In theory our short-term memory can recall 7-items. Our wives know this, but after we remember the beer, the chips, newspaper, fill up with fuel, check the tyres, and clean the windscreen, then check on the specials at Bunnings - well it does get tricky.

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    #40

    Racing cars meme illustrating classic dad moves reaction to interior light being turned on while driving.

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    Mrs Irish Mom
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Turn it off, you will kill us all 🙈 think 1980s parents really did believe this

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    #41

    Classic-Dad-Jokes-Classicdadmoves

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    #43

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    #44

    Classic-Dad-Jokes-Classicdadmoves

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    Shelli Aderman
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    That’s kind of cool, actually! 🤣

    #45

    Classic-Dad-Jokes-Classicdadmoves

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    Huddo's sister
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Reminds me of Putt Putt goes to the Parade. To earn money for something you had to mow lawns in specific patterns.

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    #46

    Classic-Dad-Jokes-Classicdadmoves

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    #47

    Classic-Dad-Jokes-Classicdadmoves

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    Libstak
    Community Member
    2 years ago (edited) Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    My favourite valentines event is having coffee at the Cafe next to the florist at 4pm to 5pm and watching all the tradies and labourer partners run in and grab a bouquet and run back out again, soooo cute.

    #48

    Classic-Dad-Jokes-Classicdadmoves

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    #50

    Classic-Dad-Jokes-Classicdadmoves

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    #51

    Classic-Dad-Jokes-Classicdadmoves

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    #52

    Classic-Dad-Jokes-Classicdadmoves

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    #53

    Classic-Dad-Jokes-Classicdadmoves

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    #54

    Classic-Dad-Jokes-Classicdadmoves

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    Frappuchino the hedgehog
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    Starts sweating buckets of water and heavily breathing

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    #55

    Classic-Dad-Jokes-Classicdadmoves

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    Satan
    Community Member
    2 years ago Created by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

    I cannot for the life of me make sense of what this image is.

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