dadjectif

Dadjectif is a neologism used in internet linguistics to describe adjectives associated with paternal speech and dad jokes. The term combines "dad" and "adjective" and is used mainly in informal discussions of tone, humor, and everyday language rather than in formal grammar.

A dadjective is an adjective whose use signals a paternal persona or a vibe of practicality, warmth, and light humor. These words tend to appear in straightforward, concrete phrasing and may be chosen to reassure, simplify, or prompt a gentle laugh through understatement or cheesiness.

Characteristics include plain syntax, concrete semantics, and an orientation toward familiar, non-technical language. They are often evaluative but mildly so, contributing to a perception of reliability and approachability in discourse.

Usage and reception: the term is informal and debated, but it serves as a lens for analyzing tone in parenting discourse, memes, and casual writing. Examples of typical dadjectifs include words like useful, reliable, kind, cheesy, and corny, which foreground practicality, warmth, or humor.

See also: dad joke; neologism; pragmatics.