christmas dad jokes :: Article CreatorLet's Love Our Fathers, Even As We Hug Their Dad Bods And Laugh At Their Dumb JokesOpinion
When I first heard the phrase "dad joke" I was confused. My father is funny. But he rarely tells jokes. I soon learned that a dad joke is actually just a bad joke. And it doesn't have to be told by a dad.
The phrase "dad joke" emerged about a decade ago. Merriam-Webster added it to the dictionary in 2019. They define it as an "endearingly corny or unfunny" joke. A dad joke is a corny quip rather than a long story with a punch line.
Here's an example. "Why do cows wear bells?... Because their horns don't work." These cheesy gags typically involve puns and word play. Like: "It takes guts to be an organ donor." The response is often a polite forced laugh or even a groan.
Some dads may believe these quips are hilarious. But other dads tell them with a sense of irony. For the ironic dad, a cornball joke is like an ugly Christmas sweater: the lamer, the better.
Growing up, I associated bad jokes with my Uncle Bernie, who was a walking encyclopedia of one-liners. We used to call them Bernie jokes. Those jokes were not endearing. Frankly, they were annoying. Bernie was not ironic or subtle. And his corny jokes often became irritating. It's annoying to have to fake a laugh every time a jokester corners you at a family reunion.
Of course, we loved Bernie despite his wisecracks. Love and humor are subjective. If a stranger on a plane shares a dad joke ("Wearing a watch on a plane really makes time fly"), you may wish you had driven. But if a beloved elder shares the same stale joke with an ironic wink, you may be charmed.
It's not the joke that matters as much as the person telling it and our relationship with the joker. Dad jokes are endearing because we love our fathers despite their dorkiness.
But isn't there something sad about what this says about our image of fatherhood? These days, the stereotypical dad is a nerd with a flabby "dad bod" and a lame sense of humor. That image is a bit insulting. It's not inevitable that fathers are soft around the middle and full of dumb jokes. Of course, we love our fathers despite their goofiness and pot bellies. But can't we imagine a better ideal?
Which brings me back to my own father and his subtle sense of humor. He is a sincere and caring man. But he also has a playful side. Unlike Uncle Bernie, he doesn't force himself on you or interrupt the conversation with dumb one-liners. Instead, he's a careful and responsive listener. His light-hearted comments are in tune with the social flow. Instead of trying to take over by telling a joke, he plays along.
A good sense of humor depends upon empathy and responsiveness. The wittiest people have a knack for making appropriate comments. They say the right thing at the right time, and in the right way. They are good at "reading the room." They do not insist on being the center of attention, like a clown or buffoon. Nor are they boorish and boring, unable to enjoy the playful fun of human interaction.
With this in mind, we might imagine how important a good sense of humor is in the art of fathering. The best fathers listen with empathy. They are wise. But they don't use their wisdom to dominate their children. The best fathers are playful without being clownish, and sincere without being boring.
They are witty without insisting, and kind without condescending. They love their children and want them to thrive. They are strong and reliable. But they can also be soft, when they need to be. And in a world that is often serious and overwhelming, they have a knack for lightening things up.
As we celebrate Father's Day it helps to clarify the ideal. No actual father lives up to the paradigm. No real father embodies the ideal of good humor, kindness, strength, and wisdom. But we can try. And when our fathers fail to be perfect we can forgive them for their faults, even as we hug their dad bods and laugh at their dumb jokes.
Andrew Fiala is a professor of philosophy and director of The Ethics Center at Fresno State. Contact him: fiala.Andrew@gmail.Com.
Andrew Fiala
115 Best Knock-Knock Jokes For Kids
Who doesn't love a good knock-knock joke? They're easy to memorize and even more fun to share. The best part? Kids love them. Whether you're enjoying a one-on-one moment with your little one or trying to keep the whole family entertained, these zingers are guaranteed fun. Below, we've put together a list of over 1o0 knock-knock jokes for kids—so strap in for punny good time!
RELATED: 220 Jokes for Kids That Are Good, Clean Fun.
The History of Knock-Knock Jokes
The history of the knock-knock joke is a little murky, but we do know these quips first appeared around the year 1900 with a slightly different tagline. Back then, they were known as "Do You Know" jokes, though they followed a similar structure to the one we use today.
An example that once appeared in the Oakland Tribune reads, "Do you know Arthur? Arthur who? Arthurmometer!" That joke was particularly popular among flappers, though the '30s saw these jokes used more and more often over the radio.
While they may not be quite as popular as they were in years past, these arguably bad jokes still find their way into pop culture from time to time—The New York Times even featured one when writing up the 2013 political thriller Argo.
Animal Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids
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Knock knockWho's there?Interrupting cow.Interrupting cow wh—MOO! Knock knock.Who's there?Honey bee.Honey bee who?Honey bee a dear and get me some water! Knock knock.Who's there?Lion.Lion who?Just lion here on your doorstep! Knock knock.Who's there?Interrupting sloth.Interrupting sloth who?(20 seconds of silence)Sloooooooooth! Knock knock.Who's there?Iguana.Iguana who?Iguana hold your hand! Knock knock.Who's there?Goat.Goat who?Go to the front door and find out! Knock knock.Who's there?Frog.Frog who?Frog-et about your worries and enjoy the jokes! Knock knock.Who's there?Hoo.Hoo who?What are you, an owl? Knock knock.Who's there?Amos.Amos who?A mosquito. Look, right there! Knock knock.Who's there?Kanga.Kanga who?Actually, it's Kangaroo! RELATED: 80 Cow Jokes That Are Udderly Hilarious.
Knock-Knock Jokes for 5-Year-Olds
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Knock knock.Who's there?Wooden shoe.Wooden shoe who?Wooden shoe you like to hear another joke? Knock knock.Who's there?Tank.Tank who?You're welcome! Knock knock.Who's there?CD.CD who?CD person knocking on the door? Knock knock.Who's there?Little old lady.Little old lady who?I didn't know you could yodel! Knock knock.Who's there?Boo.Boo who?Don't cry, it's just a joke! Knock knock.Who's there?Cook.Cook who?Yeah, you do sound cuckoo! Knock knock.Who's there?Snow.Snow who?It's snow use—this joke will never be funny! Knock knock.Who's there?Howl.Howl who?Howl you know it's me unless you open the door? Knock knock.Who's there?Juno.Juno who?Juno I love you, right? Knock knock.Who's there?Leaf.Leaf who?Leaf me alone! Knock knock.Who's there?Icy.Icy who?Icy you in there! Knock knock.Who's there?Voodoo.Voodoo who?Voodoo you think you are, asking all these questions? Knock knock.Who's there?Alien.Alien who?Um, how many aliens do you know? Knock knock.Who's there?Says.Says who?Says me, that's who! Knock knock.Who's there?Weirdo.Weirdo who?Weirdo you think you're going? RELATED: 209 Dad Jokes So Bad, They're Actually Hilarious.
Knock-Knock Jokes About Names
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Knock knock.Who's there?Candice.Candice who?Candice joke possibly get any worse? Knock knock.Who's there?Noah.Noah who?Noah good place we can go hang out? Knock knockWho's there?Ben.Ben who?Ben knocking for 10 minutes! Knock knock.Who's there?Wendy.Wendy who?Wendy bell gonna start working again? Knock knock.Who's there?Alex.Alex Who?Alex plain later! Knock knock.Who's there?Mary.Mary who?Mary Christmas! Knock knock.Who's there?Justin.Justin who?Justin time for dinner! Knock knock.Who's there?Luke.Luke who?Luke through the peephole and find out! Knock knock.Who's there?Annie.Annie who?Annie thing you can do I can better! Knock knock.Who's there?Isabel.Isabel who?Isabel working? I had to knock! Knock knock.Who's there?Norma Lee.Norma Lee who?Norma Lee I don't knock on random doors, but I had to meet you! Knock knock.Who's there?Anita.Anita who?Anita use the bathroom, please open the door! Knock knock.Who's there?Adam.Adam who?Adam my way, I'm coming in! Knock knock.Who's there?Mikey.Mikey who?Mikey doesn't work, can you let me in? Knock knock.Who's there?Colleen.Colleen who?Colleen up your room, it's a mess! Knock knock.Who's there?Theodore.Theodore who?Theodore wasn't opened so I knocked! Knock knock.Who's there?Yvette.Yvette who?Yvette is a doctor for animals! RELATED: 100 Corny Jokes You Can't Help But Laugh At.
Knock-Knock Jokes for Teens
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Knock knock.Who's there?Avenue.Avenue who?Avenue knocked on this door before? Knock knock.Who's there?Nobel.Nobel who?Nobel… that's why I knocked! Knock knockWho's there?Broken pencilBroken pencil who?Bever mind there is no point! Knock knock.Who's there?To.To who?No, to whom! Knock knock.Who's there?Spell.Spell who?Okay, W-H-O! Knock knock.Who's there?Hike.Hike who?I didn't know you liked Japanese poetry! Knock knock.Who's there?Interrupting pirate.Interrupting pira—ARGHHHHHHHH! Knock knock.Who's there?Dozen.Dozen who?Dozen anyone want to let me in? Knock knock.Who's there?Déja.Déja who?Knock knock. Knock knock.Who's there?Euripides.Euripides who?Euripides clothes, you pay for them! Knock knock.Who's there?H.H who?Bless you! Knock knock.Who's there?Goliath.Goliath who?Go lieth thee down, thou looks tired! Knock knock.Who's there?Adore.Adore who?Adore is between us, so open it! Knock knock.Who's there?Canoe.Canoe who?Canoe come out now? Knock knock.Who's there?Freeze.Freeze who?Freeze a jolly good fellow! Knock knock.Who's there?Art.Art who?Art2-D2, of course. Knock knock.Who's there?Shore.Shore who?Shore hope you like bad jokes! Knock knock.Who's there?Control freak… Okay, now you say, "Control freak who?" RELATED: 101 Funny Clean Jokes for Any Situation.
Place Knock-Knock Jokes for Kids
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Knock knock.Who's there?Europe.Europe who?No, you're a poo! Knock knock.Who's there?Kenya.Kenya who?Kenya open the door? Knock knock.Who's there?Havana.Havana who?Havana a wonderful time, wish you were here! Knock knock.Who's there?Venice.Venice who?Venice your dad coming home? Knock knock.Who's there?Iran.Iran who?Iran all the way here! Knock knock.Who's there?Uruguay.Uruguay who?You go Uruguay and I'll go mine! Knock knock.Who's there?Italy.Italy who?Italy be a big job! Knock knock.Who's there?Utah.Utah who?U-tahking to me? Knock knock.Who's there?Hawaii.Hawaii who?I'm good. Hawaii you? Knock knock.Who's there?Tibet.Tibet who?Early Tibet and early to rise! Knock knock.Who's there?Brighton.Brighton who?Brighton early, that's when I wake up. Knock knock.Who's there?Canada.Canada who?Can Ada come out and play? Knock knock.Who's there?Norway.Norway who?Norway am I telling you any more knock-knock jokes! Knock knock.Who's there?Jamaica.Jamaica who?Jamaica him do that, or was it his own decision? Knock knock.Who's there?Francis.Francis who?France is a country in Europe. RELATED: 152 Funny Short Jokes That Guarantee a Laugh.
Birthday Knock-Knock Jokes
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Knock knock.Who's there?Abby.Abby who?Abby birthday to you! Knock knock.Who's there?Sue.Sue who?Sue-prize! Happy birthday! Knock knock.Who's there?Gus.Gus who?Gus who's birthday is today? Knock knock.Who's there?Dewey.Dewey who?Dewey have to have cake on your birthday? Knock knock.Who's there?Owl.Owl who?Owl be there with bells on, ready to celebrate your birthday! Knock knock.Who's there?Olive.Olive who?Olive to sing "Happy Birthday" to you! Knock knock.Who's there?Bacon.Bacon who?Bacon a cake for your birthday! Knock knock.Who's there?Alpaca.Alpaca who?Alpaca the cake, you get the presents. Knock knock.Who's there?Candice.Candice who?Candice cake fit any more candles?! You're getting old! Knock knock.Who's there?Wanda.Wanda who?Wanda wish you a very happy birthday! Knock knock.Who's there?Lettuce.Lettuce who?Lettuce in, it's cold out here, and we have a party to attend! RELATED: 60 Hilarious "Old People" Jokes and Puns About Aging.
Knock-Knock Jokes About Food
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Knock knock.Who's there?Figs.Figs who?Figs the doorbell. I've been knocking forever! Knock knock.Who's there?Honeydew.Honeydew who?Honeydew you wanna dance? Knock knockWho's there?Yoo.Yoo hoo?That's my favorite drink! Knock knock.Who's there?Cash.Cash who?No thanks, but I'd love some peanuts! Knock knock.Who's there?Cereal.Cereal who?Cereal pleasure to meet you! Knock knock.Who's there?Two knee.Two knee who?Two-knee fish! Knock knock.Who's there?Chicken.Chicken who?Chicken my pocket but I can't find my keys! Knock knock.Who's there?Onion.Onion who?Onion mark, get set, go! Knock knock.Who's there?Pecan.Pecan who?Pecan someone your own size. Knock knock.Who's there?Peas.Pease who?Peas to meet you! Knock knockWho's there?Nacho.Nacho who?Nacho cheese! Knock knock.Who's there?Ice cream.Ice cream who?ICE CREAM SO YOU CAN HEAR ME! Knock knock.Who's there?Broccoli.Broccoli who?Broccoli doesn't have a last name, silly! Knock knock.Who's there?Butter.Butter who?Butter let me in or I'll freeze! Knock knock.Who's there?Banana.Banana who?Knock knock.Who's there?Banana.Banana who?Knock knock.Who's there?Orange.Orange who?Orange you glad I didn't say banana? RELATED: 80 Food Puns That Are Absolutely Egg-squisite.
More Funny Knock-Knock Jokes for Little Kids
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Knock knock.Who's there?Water.Water who?Water you asking so many questions for, just open up! Knock knock.Who's there?Radio.Radio who?Radio not, here I come! Knock knock.Who's there?Bed.Bed who?Bed you can't guess who I am! Knock knock.Who's there?Razor.Razor who?Razor hands, this is a stick up! Knock knock.Who's there?Stopwatch.Stopwatch who?Stopwatch you're doing and let me in! Knock knock.Who's there?Tree.Tree who?It's tree-mendous to see you again! Knock knock.Who's there?Coal.Coal who?Coal me when Santa's on his way! Knock knock.Who's there?Needle.Needle who?Needle little help opening the door! Knock knock.Who's there?Leash.Leash who?The leash you could do is answer the doorbell! Knock knock.Who's there?Dishes.Dishes who?Dishes the police, open up! Knock knock.Who's there?Adorable.Adorable who?A-door-a-bell don't work, that's why I knocked! Knock knock.Who's there?Ears.Ears who?'Ears another knock knock joke for ya! Knock knock.Who's there?Scold.Scold who?Scold outside, let me in! Knock knock.Who's there?Ya.Ya who?Yippee! Wrapping Up
That's it for our list of knock-knock jokes, but be sure to check back with us soon for tons of more fun!
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