A survey of 2,000 adults has uncovered the nation's favourite 'dadisms' ahead of Father's Day UK. Classic phrases like 'I'm just resting my eyes', 'were you born in a barn?' and 'put a jumper on if you're cold' top the list. Seven in 10 respondents said they wouldn't change their dad's cheesy one-liners for anything.
Health Concerns Dismissed
However, some dadisms extend to more worrying health matters. Two-thirds of respondents said their dad regularly makes light-hearted excuses for aches, pains, or mobility problems. Common excuses include 'needing to get their joints oiled' (12%) or insisting they've 'just slept funny' (23%). The study found that 73% of dads play down health concerns rather than seeking medical advice.
Practice Plus Group Hospitals, which commissioned the study, also discovered that half of those surveyed said their dad tends to brush off health worries because they don't want to make a fuss or don't think 'it's that bad'.
Expert Insight
Ross Dowsett, CEO for the hospital group, said: 'Some of these classic dadisms are instantly recognisable, and many of us probably catch ourselves repeating them too. But jokes aside, the research has revealed a more concerning trend that dads often dismiss aches and pains with throwaway comments rather than seeking medical advice.'
'Many blame persistent pain, mobility issues or changes in eyesight on 'just getting older', or joke about their ailments. While these remarks may seem harmless, symptoms that affect day-to-day life shouldn't be ignored.'
Real-Life Example
Chris Newberry, 59, from Truro, Cornwall, spent years delaying a hip replacement operation despite suffering from osteoarthritis since his late 20s. He was spurred into action by his son, Harry, 18, and the news that he would soon lose his private medical insurance following redundancy.
Chris said: 'Living in Cornwall, we love being outdoors, but my hip pain meant I couldn't properly enjoy being active anymore. Even a round of golf had become difficult. I started to feel old before my time and realised I didn't want to keep missing out on experiences we could be enjoying together.'
Harry added: 'I hated him struggling with the pain and knew we'd be able to do more together if he got the surgery. When he said he was having the surgery in Birmingham, I said I could help get him there. I'd have driven him anywhere, to be honest, to get rid of the pain.'
Role Reversal in Families
The research highlights an increasing role reversal within families. 81% of adult children have assisted in managing their parents' healthcare, and 57% now take an active part. Among those with a father figure experiencing mobility problems, 69% regularly 'nudge' or encourage their dad to seek help for persistent concerns, such as hip or knee pain. A further 23% have taken time off work or rearranged plans to support them.
More than eight in 10 would feel more at ease if their dad had access to quicker and more straightforward healthcare support. Three in 10 fathers are currently on a waiting list for treatment. Consequently, 57% would consider helping their dad access private healthcare appointments or surgery because of NHS waiting times.
Yet, of those whose fathers do have private medical insurance, 24% said their dads are hesitant to use it because they believe the claims process is too complex (28%) or they wish to 'save it' for something more serious (38%).
Encouraging Action
Ross Dowsett added: 'We're increasingly seeing adult children step in to help parents navigate healthcare decisions, from arranging consultations to understanding private healthcare and medical insurance options. This is why it's so important we help people access the treatment and surgery they need sooner so they can get back to enjoying the activities they love again.'
Top 10 Dadisms
- I'm just resting my eyes.
- Ask your mother.
- Put a jumper on if you are cold.
- Were you born in a barn?
- You can't leave all the lights on like Blackpool illuminations.
- I'm not going to the doctor for that / I don't want to make a fuss.
- I know a shortcut.
- I don't need to ask for directions.
- Turn that racket down.
- Taxi of mum and dad.
