by Matt Barr

"Dad's Day"

This Christian Science Monitor piece by Chuck Cohen argues we should call it Dad's Day.

One reason I liked being a Dad is that Dad definitely sounds as if the person referred to is younger than the age on his driver's license. Someone who is called "Father" by his children belongs in a Victorian novel. He wears a coat and tie to the dinner table, "harrumphs" a lot, looks disparagingly upon all attempts at levity, and refers to his wife as "Mother." He belongs in a stiffly posed portrait hung above a mantle.

So, having a holiday called Father's Day always seemed odd to me. Dad's Day is both more alliterative and appropriate. It definitely sounds better to say "Hey, Dad, how about playing catch?" Or "Dad, can I have the car?" Using "Father" in either instance would probably bring a "no."

I don't want people, least of all my issue, calling me "father" either, but it has its place.

"Obi-Wan never told you what happened to your dad."

"Hello. My name is Inigo Montoya. You killed my dad. Prepare to die."

"Hello muddah. Hello dad. Here I am at Camp Grenada."

Doesn't work.

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