What Is A 'Zaddy'? The Definition and Meaning Of The Internet Slang Explained

The term Daddy has exploded in popularity for the past decade on the internet, being used to address a male authority figure or idol in a sexualized manner. In tangent with the slang's success on the internet, the term Zaddy was created to comment about a specific type of man.

The best way to describe what a zaddy might be is by going deep down into how the internet categorizes and describes these types of men. Let's explain.

What Is A 'Zaddy'?

While daddy is generally used to indicate an attractive older man, a zaddy is a man with swag who is physically attractive, fashionable, confident, wealthy and responsible. The term appeared online as early as the late 2000s, as an Urban Dictionary user Josette defined the term in June 2008 as "The slang term for a really "handsome" guy who is very appealing and looks really fashionable. He has to have swag and an appeal and look attractive" (seen below).

How Did 'Zaddy' Become A Popular Internet Slang?

Over the next decade, zaddy grew in social popularity, especially on Twitter / X, as people used the term to describe attractive and fashionable men, like Prince, Jayceon and Zayn Malik (examples below, left and right respectively).

The term got into the mainstream in August 2016, after the release of the single "Zaddy" by the rapper Ty Dolla $ign. The song’s lyrics allude to, among other things, a wealthy man offering financial support to his lover: “She love to go shoppin' in Paris / She keep on callin' me zaddy … she got zaddy" (seen below).

What Are Some Famous 'Zaddy' Examples?

Although to consider someone a zaddy is very personal and a volatile position, E! News posted an article in June 2023 electing the actors Christopher Meloni, Jeff Goldblum, Oscar Isaac and Idris Elba as the prime examples of what is a "zaddy" man.

For the full history of "zaddy," be sure to check out Know Your Meme's encyclopedia entry for more information.