Are You Fluent in Dad Speak? How Dads Say It Best with Less

Is your old man more spartan than sentimental? Dads certainly have a unique way of showing they care. Whether it’s acting as the late-night taxi driver, sneaking you some extra pocket money, or playing pranks on you, every gesture carries a world of meaning. Even when dads reply with just a 👍, is he really just saying “message received” or could there be hidden sentiment behind the simplicity? What does a dad really mean?

Take our quiz to see if you can decode his fatherly mannerisms and spot the subtle signs of affection. Will you be a dad speak novice or the perfect pro?

Why Dads are the Best (With and Without Words)

We surveyed 2,000 adults and the results were revealing. More than 1 in 3 said a simple “thumbs up” from Dad was a sign of both love and support.

And women polled more likely to receive an ‘I love you’ from Dad than men.

Although 49% said their dad would describe himself as ‘not good at emotional stuff’, it doesn’t mean they don’t try. Dads just have their own subtle, yet heartfelt ways of expressing their feelings. AKA ‘Dad Speak ’. And often, it means the most on the occasions when Dad does express what’s in his heart, especially if it doesn’t come naturally, yet he’s made the effort.

Take this, for example: over half of people surveyed have heard their dad say, ‘Let me know when you get home” which is definitely dad speak for, ‘Please be careful, I worry about you!’ Not that he’d ever admit it!

‘Being there when he’s needed, even if he doesn’t say much’ was voted the #1 way dads show up, with 44% noting it’s their dad’s way. For many fathers, less is indeed more, and physical actions can say it all when it comes to dad talk .

The Top 20 Ways Dads Show Affection

Why are dads awesome? From manning the BBQ and telling funny stories to lending a hand, dads have countless ways to show they care. Even if you’ve heard their same stories many times over.

Here are the top 20 ways dads say it with their actions:

1. Being there when you need him, even without saying much
2. Paying for a meal
3. Teaching you how to do something practical
4. Fixing things around the house
5. Driving you places
6. Offering to lend you tools or equipment
7. Helping with your children or pets
8. Helping you move house
9. Making you a hot drink
10. Forwarding you useful links or news
11. Checking your vehicle tyres or oil
12. Giving you a thumbs up
13. Cooking a favourite meal
14. Sorting out directions or the route
15. Giving you a thumbs up emoji
16. Tidying or mowing your garden
17. Reminding you to wear a coat
18. Helping with school or university work
19. Packing snacks or food for a trip
20. Topping up your petrol

These gestures are constant ways for him to be present in your world.

And while these actions have long been the only, fleeting indicators of his care, attitudes are shifting. Increasingly, there are times when Dad’s emotional defences come down, with meaningful occasions like weddings and new baby arrivals often eliciting visible tears from fathers.

Show Dad You Care

Most of us (81%) have told our dads we love them. And we don’t have to wait for nuptials and other milestones to say the words.

Often, it’s easier for him to receive affection in written form, so why not pen down your thoughts this Father’s Day? Use a funny Father’s Day card to lighten the mood and send it in the post. This way, he can read it in his own time, without having to look you in the eye and acknowledge that, yes, you care just as much as him.

Alternatively, show him you appreciate his 👍 messages and steadfast support with a Father’s Day gift, from custom keyrings to a classic ‘best dad ever’ photo mug to remind him how much you love him and all he does.