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Happy Father’s Day! Survey Reveals Our Favourite ‘Dadisms’

By Louise Ducrocq
21/06/2026
Est. Reading: 2 minutes

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Ahead of Father's Day, a new survey has revealed the classic phrases and habits that have become synonymous with dads across the country, with "I'm just resting my eyes" crowned the UK's favourite dadism.

The poll of 2,000 adults found that seven in 10 people wouldn't swap their father's cheesy one-liners for anything, with many of the sayings passed down through generations becoming a familiar part of family life.

Among the most-loved dadisms were "Ask your mother", "Put a jumper on if you're cold" and the timeless "Were you born in a barn?"


Other favourites included complaints about lights being left on "like Blackpool illuminations", insisting "I know a shortcut" and refusing to ask for directions despite being hopelessly lost.

The survey also highlighted some of dads' most recognisable habits.

Practice Plus Group Hospitals, which commissioned the research to highlight how families can help their dads navigate healthcare needs, also found two thirds of fathers (66 per cent) have delayed seeking medical help. Many prefer to blame aches and pains on having "slept funny" or needing to "get their joints oiled".

Researchers found 73% of dads regularly brush off health worries instead of visiting a doctor, while two-thirds are known for making light-hearted excuses for creaky knees, sore backs and other ailments.

Father and son laughing dad joke

The findings suggest these familiar quirks remain a source of affection rather than frustration. More than half of respondents said their father is one of the funniest people they know, while almost one in five said their dad can always make them smile no matter how bad their day has been.

Of course, no discussion of dads would be complete without mentioning their famously groan-inducing jokes.

Another survey conducted by Bloom & Wild revealed our favourite dad jokes, with "I'm on a seafood diet... I see food and I eat it" emerging as the UK's most-loved cringe-worthy gag.


Other favourites included "I only know 25 letters of the alphabet... I don't know y" and "Two guys walked into a bar. The third guy ducked."

Nearly one in five people admitted their father regularly laughs at his own jokes, while 16% said they often find themselves rolling their eyes at another predictable pun.

Despite the embarrassment, many respondents said those jokes have become part of what makes dads special, with 21% describing their father as their "rock".

When it comes to celebrating Father's Day, almost three in 10 people plan to mark the occasion with a meaningful gift, while popular choices include whisky, craft beer, personalised T-shirts and favourite sweets.

Top 10 Dadisms

  1. I'm just resting my eyes.
  2. Ask your mother.
  3. Put a jumper on if you are cold.
  4. Were you born in a barn?
  5. You can't leave all the lights on like Blackpool illuminations.
  6. I'm not going to the doctor for that / I don't want to make a fuss.
  7. I know a shortcut.
  8. I don't need to ask for directions.
  9. Turn that racket down.
  10. Taxi of mum and dad.
Louise Ducrocq

Written by Louise Ducrocq

Louise is an expert content creator, and online author for Ireland's Classic Hits Radio. She's evolved in a few different fields, including mental health and travel, and is now excited to be part of the wonderful word of Radio.

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