The 'Dad Bod' meme emerged as a cultural phenomenon celebrating a physique that strikes a balance between working out and enjoying life—often characterized by a soft midsection over a toned frame. The term gained massive traction around 2015 after an article by Mackenzie Pearson went viral, describing the appeal of a less-intimidating, more relatable male body type. In internet culture, the meme is used to poke fun at the struggle of maintaining a diet, the transition into parenthood, or to ironically claim that a soft belly is actually the 'peak male form.' It serves as a humorous badge of honor for men who have traded six-packs for six-packs of beer and family time.