The Quirky Phrases of Our Beloved New Jersey Fathers

 

Father’s Day is this Sunday, and it’s the perfect time to celebrate the incredible men who have shaped our lives. Our dads are not just the ones who taught us how to ride a bike, shave, or drive a car, but they’re also the masters of their own unique language. We’ve all heard those phrases that only our dads seem to say, the ones that make us laugh, cringe, and shake our heads in disbelief.

In this article, I’ll delve into the world of classic Dadisms, with a special emphasis on the ones that strike a chord with Jersey Dads and the wonderfully distinctive phrases of my Italian father.

Join me as we celebrate the humor and charm of these endearing fatherly expressions.

“You think you’re cold? I remember the blizzard of ’96.” Jersey Dads have a knack for reminiscing about weather events as if they were epic adventures. No matter how cold it is, they always have a story that tops it.

“Found it.” Pointing a stud finder at his chest, Dad proudly declares that he has indeed found a “stud” (referring to himself).

“Wrong side of the river, buddy.” Wearing anything related to a rival sports team, especially the Dallas Cowboys in Jersey, automatically earns you a playful rejection from your Jersey Dad. Loyalty is non-negotiable.

“This food is better than any restaurant, I tell ya.” Family gatherings are complete with the assurance from our Jersey Dads that the food they’ve prepared is second to none. Their cooking skills are legendary, and they never miss an opportunity to remind us of it.

“You haven’t seen anything until you’ve driven through the Lincoln Tunnel at rush hour.” Traffic complaints are met with a dose of perspective from our Jersey Dads. They’ll make sure we understand that what we’re experiencing is nothing compared to the chaos they’ve braved on the roads.

“Living the dream, my friend.” When asked how they’re doing, our dads always respond positively. No matter the circumstances, they quickly remind us that life is a gift to be cherished.

“You’re not going to get far without these.” Discovering that his wife has left her keys behind, Dad playfully reminds her that she won’t get far without the keys in his possession.

“I’m not paying to heat the whole neighborhood.” Reacting to his son – me – leaving the door open, Dad playfully complains about the excessive energy consumption required to heat the entire neighborhood.

“I guess it’s free then.” When there is no price on an item, or the cashier can’t get it to scan, Dad humorously suggests that he should get it for free.

“This is nothing compared to the Jersey Shore.” No matter how breathtaking a beach may be, our dads from the Garden State never miss an opportunity to remind us that nothing compares to the Jersey Shore. It’s a matter of pride.

Does any of this sound familiar? How about a few more gems, then? Was that just a Dadism? Gems? I don’t know; it could be… Ugh, I’m turning into my dad! But I’m rolling with it in honor of Father’s Day!

So, get ready for a few more Dadisms that never fail to put a smile on my face.

“Let’s rock and roll.” When it’s time to load up the car and hit the road, Dad uses this phrase to express enthusiasm and prepare everyone for the journey ahead.

“Did you fall in?” When his grandson takes an unusually long time in the bathroom, Dad playfully asks if he fell into the toilet or got stuck.

“No, your other right.”  When someone makes a directional mistake, Dad humorously points out that they should have turned in the opposite direction.

“Can you do mine next?” Seeing a neighbor washing their car, Dad jokingly requests them to wash his car next, showcasing his wit and playfulness.

“What’s the damage?”  Before looking at the bill brought by the waitress, Dad playfully asks about the cost, pretending that it might have caused a significant dent in his wallet.

“Resting my eyes.” After unintentionally falling asleep, Dad defends himself by claiming he was just “resting his eyes” instead of actually dozing off.

“I guess they let anyone in here.” When Dad unexpectedly encounters someone he knows in a public place, he humorously suggests that the establishment must allow anyone inside.

“Glad we’re not going that way.”  Observing a traffic jam in the lanes going the opposite direction, Dad expresses relief and humorously comments on the misfortune of those stuck in traffic.

“You’re not going to get far without these.” Discovering that his wife has left her keys behind, Dad playfully reminds her that she won’t get far without the keys in his possession.

“It’s not heavy. It’s just awkward.” When struggling to move something bulky or unwieldy, Dad playfully suggests that it’s not the weight that’s the problem but rather the awkwardness of the object.

“People don’t know how to drive in this town.” Dad comments on the driving skills of people in various towns, humorously implying that they all share the same lack of proficiency.

“We really needed this rain.”  Every time it rains, Dad expresses gratitude for the precipitation, regardless of whether it was needed.

“That’s how they get you.” After turning down an extended warranty or any similar upsell, Dad jokingly suggests to a family member that the salesperson intends to deceive customers.

Father’s Day is a time to celebrate the men who have left an indelible mark on our lives. Alongside the lessons, love, and guidance, they’ve given us a treasure trove of humorous and endearing Dadisms. From Jersey Dads to our Italian fathers, these quirky phrases and unique expressions remind us of our special bond with our dads.

So, let’s embrace the Dadisms, laugh at their corny jokes, and cherish the moments that make our fathers truly unforgettable. Happy Father’s Day!