Dad jokes

 What is the origin of the "dad joke?" (Odysseus tells the cyclops his name is "nobody")

When does a joke become a "dad joke?" (When it becomes apparent, of course)

Do dad jokes exist in other languages? (Yes)

Here is a more provocative question though - why do dads love them so much? 

This is my thesis. 

From the moment a dad becomes a dad and can hold his newborn in his hands, he gives his heart away to this tiny life form that is both him and not him. But when that baby first becomes aware of who "daddy" is, and there is recognition between the two, even though words don't mean anything yet, there is a passion to make the baby smile and laugh. Whether it is a silly face, a funny noise, or a "zerbert," a dad wants to make his baby laugh. 

Children, especially teenagers, need to understand that once a dad experiences this reaction from his baby, that indescribable feeling of joy and elation never leaves him, and he will chase opportunities to replicate it the rest of his life.  

Whether it is a perfectly executed joke, a humorous journey of a story, or a pun-tastic "dad joke," a father will keep trying and trying to bring his child to laugh again. Additionally, it matters not how silly he looks. A dad does not care. All that matters is he just wants to make his child smile again. The urge never departs.

"I will have you smile again."