# dad bod

CEFR B2 · Compound

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dad-bod
Updated: 2026-09-29

## Definition

a body type for men that is slightly overweight but still looks healthy. It is often used to describe a man who used to be fit but now has a small belly.

For teachers: a male physique characterized by a soft, slightly overweight appearance, typically associated with middle-aged fathers who have ceased a rigorous fitness regimen. Informal in register; often used in a lighthearted or body-positive context.

## Examples

- He joked that his new dad bod was a sign of a happy life.
- After the actor stopped training for his superhero role, the tabloids were quick to comment on his emerging dad bod.
- The cultural shift toward embracing the dad bod suggests a growing acceptance of realistic male body standards over the hyper-muscular ideals often seen in mainstream media.

## Usage notes

- Typically used in singular form with an indefinite article ('a dad bod').

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.