Why did the DILF become an electrician? Because he knows how to turn everyone on. 😏
Now that we got the obligatory Dad joke out of the way, we can explore the sexier side of Fathers. In the realm of attractive men, there’s a term that’s gained popularity: DILF. It’s a playful acronym that stands for “Dad I’d Like to…Fondly admire” and the counterpart to our beloved MILF's. DILF's, daddies, and zaddies have captured the attention of many, fueling discussions around emotional intelligence, body positivity (hello, dad bods), and shaping cultural references (all hail the internet’s daddy, Pedro Pascal). So, in honour of all the dads out there, we’ll delve into the riveting world of DILFs, who they are, why society is enthralled with them, how to be your best DILF (dad jokes required), and more.
Who are DILF's?
In essence, DILF's are dads with a unique blend of charm, attractiveness, and a sense of parental care that come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. They exude confidence (Big Dick Energy, if you will), and tend to have a certain “dad bod” aesthetic that has struck a chord with people of all ages and genders. This group of fathers are relatable figures who parent well and look hot while doing it, which we love.
The Rise of the DILF Phenomenon
Hot dads have been around since the dawn of time, but the term “DILF” started catching on in the late 1990's/early 2000's as a playful response to the mother of all MILFs – Stifler’s Mum. However, DILFs really took off as social media platforms emerged, and people started tweeting and posting about how they want to “fondly admire” particular dads, not just because of their strong jawlines and sense of style but because they have a caring and nurturing aura. Since then, the fascination with DILFs has continued to grow between memes, merchandise, hashtags, and Reddit threads dedicated to this fine group of Fathers.
Why We’re Captivated by DILF's
Based on the acronyms alone, we know MILF's and DILF's are attractive AF and prove that good looks do not diminish with age or parenthood. However, society’s love for DILF's goes beyond looks, thanks to cultural shifts over the last few decades which have led to changing perspectives on what it means to be masculine, traditional parental roles and so much more.
DILF's are a refreshing take on a stale portrayal of fathers as hyper-masculine, detached, dominant men by emphasising the importance of a present, nurturing father figure. These dads symbolize the modern, engaged Father who actively raises their children and shares the responsibility with their partner. Emotional intelligence and connections are major in why we’re so captivated with DILF's. They tend to display empathy and strong ties with their kids that we melt over. The portrayal of DILF's as loving, caring Fathers that work to build strong family connections resonates with so many of us and absolutely increases the attractiveness level. We can’t deny DILF's helped change the perception of emotional expectations of Dads. They also played a significant role in shifting the conversation on “Dad bods” to create a positive narrative on physical appearances. DILF's challenged the status quo of chiseled abs and a muscular physique to celebrate and embrace the softer side of male bodies while highlighting their nurturing and confident demeanor.
Embracing the DILF Lifestyle
Being a DILF is much more than physical appearance. It’s about embracing fatherhood and nurturing relationships. If you’re just starting off your DILF journey or looking to fine-tune your DILFness, we have a few suggestions to help you hone in on your skills:
Embrace Fatherhood: One of the hottest things a dad can do is actively engage in their role as a parent. Enjoy spending quality time with your children and being present in their lives. It’s not always about the fun stuff like showing up to their games or going to the park. It’s changing diapers, making dinner, rocking your little one back to sleep after a nightmare, and so much more.
Prioritise Self-Care: Take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally. Set aside time for self-care activities that promote your well-being, like restful sleep, eating a balanced diet, and exercising regularly. It can also mean playing video games, getting together with friends, or heading to the barber shop for a fresh cut. It’s important to do things that bring you joy and fulfillment.
Be Confident and True to Yourself: Show off your Big Dad Energy! Confidence is hot and dads who have self-assurance and embrace their unique qualities are smokin’. Don’t compare yourself to others and celebrate your unique pathway through fatherhood.
Sharpen Communication Skills: Communication is key in all relationships, including with your children and partner. Work on your listening skills and strive to communicate openly and honestly. It’s essential to help create an environment where your family is comfortable expressing their thoughts and feelings.
Don’t Take It Too Seriously: Being a DILF is an ongoing commitment, and no parent has a perfect way to be a parent. Don’t sweat the small stuff and enjoy each moment with your family. We hear life tends to go by fast.
Types of DILF's
We’ve mentioned that DILF's come in different forms, encompassing a wide range of attractive dads with diverse qualities and characteristics. We put together some loose categories based on a few common factors. Do you fall into any of these categories? What type of DILF are you dreaming of?
Hands-On DILF: This type of dad is actively involved in all aspects of parenting. They prioritize spending quality time with their kids, whether playing sports, reading bedtime stories, or helping with homework. Their dedication to their role as a parent and partner is remarkably attractive since it highlights their nurturing side and commitment to family.
Fashionable DILF: This dad category is all about Fathers with a great sense of style and takes pride in their appearance. They know how to put an outfit together for themselves, but more importantly, for their little ones. What’s cuter than seeing a Dad get excited to put an outfit together for their newborn?
Fit DILF: This group of DILF's prioritises their physical fitness and maintains an active lifestyle that can benefit the whole family. Since they exercise regularly, they have the energy and stamina to run around with kids and can help inspire healthy lifestyle choices.
Emotionally Intelligent DILF: These DILF's are excellent at showing empathy, understanding, and compassion towards each and every family member. They create safe spaces for their children to express themselves freely and prioritize the well-being of everyone around them.
Intellectual DILF: These dads are well-read, have an answer for (almost) anything, and encourage curiosity and learning within their family. They most likely moonlight as the household’s IT man and has the WIFI password memorized.
Supportive DILF: The dad category is their partner’s #1 support and understands the importance of an equal partnership. They actively contribute to household responsibilities and are an unwavering support system for their children and spouse.
Creative DILF: This type of DILF has an unmatched artistic flair. Whether it’s painting, acting, or playing an instrument, they inspire their children to explore their creative side and embrace their passions.
Well-Rounded DILF: While you can’t always be everything to everyone, these DILF's have a little bit of all the above attributes in their toolkit to be the best DILF they be can for their family.
Resources for DILF-spiration
Looking for inspiration for your own DILFhood journey or simply want to swoon over hot dads? We have what you’re looking for! Here’s a watch list for your viewing pleasure:
- Joel Miller, The Last of Us
- Ned Stark, Game of Thrones
- Uncle Jesse, Full House
- Sandy Cohen, The OC
- Jack Pearson, This Is Us
- Eric Taylor, Friday Night Lights
- Hopper, Stranger Things
- John Dutton, Yellowstone
- Tony Soprano, The Sopranos
- Derek Shepherd (McDreamy), Grey’s Anatomy
- Ted Lasso, Ted Lasso
- Johnny Rose, Schitt’s Creek
- Luke Danes, Gilmore Girls
- Jim Halpert, The Office
- Shrek, Shrek Forever After
- King Triton, The Little Mermaid
While DILF's started as a hypersexualised idea of dads, the acronym has evolved into a multifaceted representation of fatherhood that highlights parental involvement and emotional intelligence, all while looking hot.