What is a sugar daddy? A man who spoils and pampers a woman in return for intimacy or affection is called a sugar daddy. He's often a mature man who has reached a certain point in his life in terms of wealth, career and status, while the woman may be younger and looking for a financially secure partner to take care of her without the commitment of a serious relationship. This type of relationship doesn't have to be between an older man and younger woman. It can also be between an older woman and younger guy. In either case, it's a mutually beneficial arrangement, where one acts as a financial support or benefactor in exchange for intimacy and friendship of a younger person.