Ahead of Father’s Day, a new survey has revealed the dad joke that has Brits laughing – and groaning – more than any other.
According to a poll of 2,000 adults conducted by Bloom & Wild, the UK's favourite dad joke is: “I’m on a seafood diet... I see food and I eat it.”
The classic gag topped the rankings with 18% of the vote, proving that simple wordplay remains a winning formula for fathers everywhere.
Not far behind was: “I only know 25 letters of the alphabet... I don’t know y,” while “Two guys walked into a bar. The third guy ducked” and “Yesterday, I was washing the car with my son. He said, ‘Dad, can’t you just use a sponge?’” also featured among the country's favourite cringe-inducing one-liners.
Despite their reputation for causing eye-rolls, dad jokes remain hugely popular. More than half of those surveyed 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.
Around 14% even claimed their father's sense of humour is completely unmatched.
Of course, every great dad joke comes with a healthy dose of embarrassment.
Nearly one in five respondents admitted their father regularly laughs at his own jokes, while 16% said they frequently find themselves groaning at yet another predictable pun.
The research suggests, however, that these corny jokes are part of what makes dads so beloved. Beyond the punchlines, 21% of people described their father as their “rock”, highlighting the important role dads continue to play in family life.
The study also found that many fathers have a collection of trademark sayings, often referred to as "dadisms". Among the most common are “I’m just resting my eyes”, “Ask your mother” and “Put a jumper on if you're cold”.
When it comes to celebrating Father’s Day, almost three in 10 people plan to treat their dad to a meaningful gift. Popular presents include a bottle of whisky, craft beer, personalised T-shirts and bags of favourite sweets.
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.
Whether they're making terrible puns, insisting they know a shortcut or claiming they're only resting their eyes in front of the television, the survey suggests Britain's dads remain a treasured source of laughter and comfort.
Top 20 Dad Jokes
1. “I’m on a seafood diet... I see food and I eat it” – 18%
2. “I only know 25 letters of the alphabet... I don’t know y” – 14%
3. “Two guys walked into a bar. The third guy ducked” – 14%
4. “Yesterday, I was washing the car with my son. He said, ‘Dad, can’t you just use a sponge?’” – 14%
5. “I told my wife she was drawing her eyebrows too high... she looked surprised” – 13%
6. “I broke my finger last week. On the other hand, I’m okay” – 13%
7. “I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough” – 12%
8. “I used to play piano by ear... now I use my hands” – 12%
9. “Why did the scarecrow win an award? Because he was outstanding in his field” – 12%
10. “I got a new pen that can write underwater. It can write other words, too” – 12%
11. “I’m reading a book on anti-gravity... it’s impossible to put down” – 12%
12. “What do you call a cow with no legs? Ground beef” – 11%
13. “Want to hear a joke about construction? I’m still working on it” – 11%
14. “I made a pencil with two erasers. It was pointless” – 11%
15. “Why don’t skeletons fight each other? They don’t have the guts” – 11%
16. “Did you hear about the restaurant on the moon? Great food, no atmosphere” – 11%
17. “What do you call a belt made of watches? A waist of time” – 11%
18. “What happens when it rains cats and dogs? You have to be careful not to step in a poodle” – 11%
19. “Have you ever tried to catch the fog? I tried yesterday but I mist” – 10%
20. “What do you call fake spaghetti? An impasta” – 10%
