Is 'hot lick' only for guitar music?

No, it originated in jazz and is commonly used for any lead instrument like saxophone, trumpet, or keyboards.

Can 'hot lick' be used negatively?

It is generally positive, implying skill. It can be slightly dismissive if implying flashiness over substance.

Is 'lick' alone synonymous with 'hot lick'?

Almost. 'Lick' is the neutral term; 'hot lick' adds the connotation of being impressive and exciting.

Where did the term originate?

It originated in early 20th-century American jazz and blues slang.

Is “hot lick” formal?

Hot lick is usually informal in register.

How do you pronounce “hot lick”?

Hot lick: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒt ˈlɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɑːt ˈlɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

hot lick: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

UK/ˌhɒt ˈlɪk/US/ˌhɑːt ˈlɪk/

Informal

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “hot lick” mean?

A short, impressive, and virtuosic improvised solo passage in jazz, blues, or rock music.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

A short, impressive, and virtuosic improvised solo passage in jazz, blues, or rock music.

Informally, any quick, clever, or impressive action or piece of work.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Used more frequently in American English due to its roots in American jazz and blues. In British English, it is understood but more niche.

Connotations

Carries positive connotations of skill and excitement in both. Slightly more colloquial in British usage.

Frequency

Considerably more common in US English, particularly in musical communities.

Grammar

How to Use “hot lick” in a Sentence

[musician] + played + a + hot lickThe + [song/solo] + featured + hot licks

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

play a hot lickfull of hot licksguitar hot lick

medium

jazz hot lickblues hot lickfamous hot lick

weak

cool hot lickfast hot licklearn a hot lick

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Rarely used. Potentially metaphorical for a quick, clever business move.

Academic

Used only in musicology or cultural studies contexts.

Everyday

Understood by music enthusiasts; otherwise rare.

Technical

Common technical term in music instruction and performance.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “hot lick”

Strong

virtuoso passageimprovised flourish

Neutral

riff solo run

Weak

bit phrase lick

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “hot lick”

simple melodybasic chord progressionrest

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “hot lick”

Confusing with 'lick' as in to touch with the tongue. Using 'hot lick' in formal writing without explanation.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No, it originated in jazz and is commonly used for any lead instrument like saxophone, trumpet, or keyboards.
: It is generally positive, implying skill. It can be slightly dismissive if implying flashiness over substance.
: Almost. 'Lick' is the neutral term; 'hot lick' adds the connotation of being impressive and exciting.
: It originated in early 20th-century American jazz and blues slang.
: A short, impressive, and virtuosic improvised solo passage in jazz, blues, or rock music.
: Hot lick is usually informal in register.
: Hot lick: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒt ˈlɪk/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɑːt ˈlɪk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“He's full of hot licks.”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Think of a musician 'licking' the fretboard with their fingers very fast (hot = impressive).

Conceptual Metaphor

SKILLFUL SPEED IS HEAT (A hot lick is a fast, impressive musical phrase).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

The guitarist impressed the audience by ending his solo with a complex .

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'hot lick' MOST appropriately used?