Dad jokes are a unique breed of humor—typically brief, pun-laden, and endearingly earnest, they often rely on a blend of wordplay and the subversion of expectations to tickle our funny bones. One quintessential example of a dad joke is, “Found out I was color blind the other day. That one came right out of the orange.” This joke, like many others in its category, is clever in its simplicity and elicits groans and chuckles in equal measure. But what makes it funny? Let’s dissect the layers of this chromatically charged quip.

The Setup

The first part of the joke—”Found out I was color blind the other day”—is the setup. It’s a straightforward statement that feels like the beginning of a personal anecdote, and it primes the listener for a revelation or conclusion. The setup is crucial in a dad joke; it’s the straight line that the punchline will deviate from.

The Punchline

The punchline—”That one came right out of the orange”—is where the magic happens. At first glance, it seems to be a malapropism or a mistake, because the common idiom it plays on is “came out of the blue,” which means something happened unexpectedly. However, the humor lies in the intentional substitution of “orange” for “blue,” which is an unexpected twist fitting for the topic of color blindness.

Why It’s Funny

1. Subverting Expectations: The punchline subverts the listener’s expectations. Most people are familiar with the phrase “came out of the blue,” and the sudden switch to “orange” provides a surprise that can trigger a laugh reflex.
2. Wordplay: The joke is built on a pun, where “orange” is used in place of “blue.” The humor is in the literal interpretation of a figurative saying—instead of an idiom about unpredictability, it’s turned into a literal statement about not seeing colors correctly.
3. Relatability: Color blindness is a common condition, and many people have either experienced it or know someone who has. This shared knowledge provides a foundation for the humor.
4. Playful Self-Deprecation: The joke includes a light form of self-deprecation, which is often found in dad jokes. By poking fun at oneself, the joker appears humble and approachable, which is endearing and often a source of amusement.
5. The Groan Factor: Dad jokes are notorious for eliciting groans as often as they do laughter. The groan is a reaction to the simplicity and obviousness of the pun. In a way, the groan is an acknowledgment of the joke’s cleverness—or its audacious lack thereof.

Conclusion

“Dad jokes” like “Found out I was color blind the other day. That one came right out of the orange,” thrive on a blend of wit and whimsy. They are the comfort food of humor: not too spicy, not too bland, but just enough to put a smile on your face. They serve as a reminder that sometimes, it’s the simplest things that are the most delightful, and that humor doesn’t always have to be complex to be effective.

Whether you chuckle, groan, or roll your eyes, dad jokes hold a special place in the pantheon of humor. They’re accessible, family-friendly, and a gentle way to play with language. So next time a dad joke comes your way, take a moment to appreciate the punning prowess and lighthearted spirit behind it. After all, laughter, much like color, is a vital part of life’s palette.