Dad-like
Characterized by the qualities and behaviors often associated with a typical father; including but not limited to: providing practical support, exhibiting a protective and caring nature, employing a specific style of humor (often corny or pun-based), offering unsolicited advice (sometimes helpful, sometimes not), and displaying a general air of responsibility and groundedness. The term can be used to describe actions, attitudes, or even physical appearances. It often implies a sense of familiarity, warmth, and dependability, even if those qualities are applied sarcastically. While inherently positive in the sense of security, a dad-like demeanor can sometimes also suggest a tendency towards being overbearing, overly cautious, or out of touch with modern trends.
Dad-like meaning with examples
- He surveyed the BBQ scene, grill-mastering like a dad. He cracked corny jokes about the meat, dispensing unwanted grilling advice to the seasoned vets. However, his dedication to the family gathering made everyone smile and his constant grilling made the party the best it could be.
- Sarah felt a sudden urge to embrace the dad-like aesthetic: cargo shorts, oversized t-shirts, and a fanny pack. It was an impulsive change in style. The ensemble made her laugh, but she secretly admired the practical and effortless vibe she got the idea from.
- During the car trip, Mark maintained the dad-like routine of endlessly checking the mirror, lecturing about seatbelt safety, and ensuring snacks were within immediate reach. The children groaned but also felt secure under his watchful, loving eye. He wasn't a perfect parent, but he was a parent.
- Her dad-like tendency to fret over the weather forecast before every family outing was simultaneously endearing and annoying. While she meticulously checked multiple weather apps to be prepared for any circumstance, she was at least prepared. Her over-preparedness had the side effect of sometimes causing her to cancel outings because the forecast called for a 1% chance of precipitation.
- The software's user interface was criticized for being clunky and dad-like, with outdated menus and unintuitive navigation. The developer was clearly thinking of users with 2000s technology in mind. The result was a design that felt out of sync with contemporary design aesthetics and the needs of its younger audience.
