We’ve cracked the code on the Internet Zaddy.

The term 'zaddy' has had 2024 in an absolute chokehold.

From Pedro Pascal and Stanley Tucci, to Jeff Goldblum and Keanu Reeves, the list of hunky celeb men who have been crowned with the distinguished title is ever-growing.

There seems to be something magnetic about men of a certain age who exude confidence, charm, and style. But being a 'zaddy' is not just about age or looks, but about… 'the vibe'. The ever-evasive vibe. These men have a certain je ne sais quoi, an undeniable quality that makes them irresistible.

Watch: Mamamia confessions. My weirdest crush. Post continues below.

But between all the 'zaddies' and 'daddies', what is the actual criteria for claiming this title? Sure, a good jawline is helpful, but whether you're in your 40s or 60s, a zaddy isn't just a man with a pretty face — Of course, he's someone who has charisma, a sense of humour, but he also embodies one key quality that really sets him apart. 

How does one go from 'daddy' to 'zaddy'?

After careful analysis of the Internet's sought-after 'zaddies', I have come to the professional conclusion that there is one thing that they all have in common (aside from ageing like a fine wine), and that is self-assured quirkiness. 

Take 'zaddy' icon Jeff Goldblum, for example. Apart from being a heartthrob in his early years (hello? Dr. Ian Malcolm anyone?), in recent years he has solidified himself as a true zaddy in all our eyes. While he is certainly a handsome 72 year-old man (wild, I know), we can all agree, it's really his unpredictable humour and quirky demeanour that have us all fawning after him.

Jeff Goldblum arrives at the Los Angeles Premiere Of Universal Pictures Wicked. Image: Getty

He's truly mastered the art of being delightfully strange. Known for his unpredictable answers and playful banter, Goldblum embodies that magnetic, silly charm that makes him a fully-fledged 'zaddy' in our books. 

Not to mention, his eclectic fashion style makes him all the more unique and desirable.

Watch Jeff Goldblum being a total 'zaddy' while being given an explanation about what a 'zaddy' is.

@pedestriantv

Oh to have Jeff Goldblum and Jonathan Bailey as my daddies 🫠 #wicked #wickedmovie #jeffgoldblum #jonathanbailey #zaddy

♬ original sound - PEDESTRIAN.TV

Next, on our 'zaddy' examination list is certified 'zaddy', and the man who arguably started the recent resurgence of the 'daddy' trope, Pedro Pascal.

He's attractive. He's stylish. He's charm itself.

But alas, like his 'zaddy' counterparts, he's also weird. And we love him for it.

Pedro Pascal attends the Headline Gala screening of The Wild Robot. Image: Getty

Pascal's brand of weirdness is what makes him so endearing. Whether he's telling bizarre yet hilarious stories in interviews, going viral for his goofy interactions with his co-stars, or gushing about his love for manicures and nails (so random but so important), there's something refreshingly quirky about him. He's not afraid to lean into his own eccentricities.

And what makes him 'zaddy' material is that he doesn't take himself too seriously, and he's confident in his quirks.

Pascal has never shied away from an awkward situation, often creating them himself with his edgy, unapologetic humour, including the now-iconic interviews he's done where he acknowledges his 'daddy' energy.

"I am your cool, slutty daddy," he said to ET.

And that he is. Enough said.

I think this edit also speaks for itself.

@philocalyedits

he's my what? #pedropascal

♬ original sound - rmfc - soph🦋

If you're still not convinced, I give you Taika Waititi.

A creative genius, yes. A great director, sure. But above all, he is strange in the best way possible.

Whether he's wearing crazy outfits, making fun of himself in interviews, or doing something strange on the red carpet, his sense of humour and willingness to embrace his weirdness are what make him an internet sensation.

Taika Waititi attends the 76th Primetime Emmy Awards. Image: Getty

It's that balance of being a confident, stylish, and playful while also embracing his eccentricities that makes Waititi a true 'zaddy'. Waititi's interviews are a breath of fresh air and always make room for a giggle.

Now, we love to see a supportive husband on a red carpet. But Waititi took it to a whole other level during the MTV EMAs in 2021 when he jokingly lifted his wife, Rita Ora's dress train and used it as a prop in the photos.

He wasn't just being goofy — he was totally leaning into the ridiculousness of the whole red carpet thing in his own way. This quick, fun little gesture immediately went viral and had people dying over how silly and hilarious Waititi is.

Whether you look at other 'zaddies' like Stanley Tucci, Keanu Reeves, Paul Rudd or David Harbour, they all possess that quirky, wholesome, special something.

And I rest my case.

In light of these recent findings, I think it's safe to say that 'zaddy' is indeed a state of mind. And it looks like the 'zaddy' title isn't just for the silver foxes — it's for anyone who knows how to mix a little charm with a whole lot of heart.

Because, in the end, we're all just looking for celebs who are handsome, who are kind, but who are also just as weird as us.

Feature image: Getty.