A Dad Thumbs-Up for 21 Dad Memes Celebrating the Kings of Cargo Shorts, Lawn Mowers, and Terrible Jokes

Celeste Mello • Writer and Editor

Jun 22, 2026 3:45 PM EDT

"Hey, dad, I got home." : Thumbs-up. "Hey, dad, I did well on my exam.": Thumbs-up. "Dad, I failed my exam.": Thumbs-up. "Dad, do you want pizza or burgers for dinner?": Thumbs-up. In a dad's mind, any situation deserves a thumbs-up. It doesn't matter whether it's good news, bad news, or a yes-or-no question. A thumbs-up is the only emoji they seem to know.

Dads don't see complexity in life. Everything falls into two categories: thumbs-up or no thumbs-up. And things have to get really bad for a dad not to send a thumbs-up.

Dads may not always know how to use the latest technology. They may ask you for help because they can't update their Gmail password on their own, but they are definitely experts when it comes to home repairs or checking tire pressure. Dads are practical. They fix anything. With a screwdriver, duct tape, and a good flashlight, everything's possible. Oh, and you hold the flashlight. Just be careful to hold it right where they ask you. If you move it 0.2 inches, they'll notice and may feel very disappointed.

And let's appreciate the uniform. Cargo shorts? Check. White sneakers? Check. That old sweater your mom wants to throw away, but they love it so much? Check.

Dads are physically incapable of resisting a word pun. If they see the opportunity, they take it. They know the jokes are bad, but as long as you laugh at them or do some reaction, they won't stop. That's the whole point. The fun comes from watching everyone groan. And they are expecting your eye roll with a smile. But beneath their questionable humor, dads are great. I hope you all spent a nice Father's Day with your family, celebrating the kings of terrible puns, rolling your eyes and laughing at the same time. Happy Father's Day to all the great dads out there.