hot shot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, sometimes slightly derogatory or ironic.
Quick answer
What does “hot shot” mean?
A person who is exceptionally skilled, successful, or confident, often with connotations of being newly successful or overly brash.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is exceptionally skilled, successful, or confident, often with connotations of being newly successful or overly brash.
Can refer to a rising star in a field, a person who shows great promise or has achieved notable early success. Sometimes carries a slightly negative connotation of arrogance or recklessness due to overconfidence.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in American English, but well-understood in British English. In the US, it's frequently used in business and sports contexts. In the UK, it might be perceived as a more Americanism.
Connotations
In both varieties, can imply youthful arrogance or being new to success. In American English, it can also carry a sense of admiration for boldness.
Frequency
Higher frequency in American media and colloquial speech.
Grammar
How to Use “hot shot” in a Sentence
be a ~consider someone a ~play the ~arrive as the new ~Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hot shot” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- The new graduate was the office hot shot, securing three major contracts in his first month.
- He's a bit of a hot shot on the tennis court, but his attitude needs work.
American English
- The firm hired a Wall Street hot shot to turn their investments around.
- Don't be such a hot shot—slow down and follow the procedure.
adjective
British English
- He has a rather hot-shot attitude for someone so new to the team.
- They brought in a hot-shot marketing firm from London.
American English
- She's a hot-shot programmer straight out of MIT.
- The hot-shot rookie pitcher will start the game on Saturday.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a highly successful, often aggressive, newcomer in finance, sales, or tech.
Academic
Rare in formal writing; used informally to describe a brilliant young researcher.
Everyday
Used to describe someone showing off skill, especially in games, sports, or driving.
Technical
Not typical; context-specific (e.g., a 'hot shot' in gaming or competitive programming).
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hot shot”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hot shot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hot shot”
- Using it in overly formal contexts.
- Misspelling as one word 'hotshot' (acceptable variant).
- Confusing with 'hothead' (angry person).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Both 'hot shot' and the hyphenated 'hot-shot' are common, especially as adjectives. The single word 'hotshot' is also widely accepted.
It can be, but it is often a backhanded compliment. It acknowledges skill or success but may imply the person is overconfident, flashy, or new to their status.
An 'expert' implies deep, proven knowledge and experience. A 'hot shot' implies spectacular, often recent success, and can suggest more style or bravado than seasoned expertise.
Overwhelmingly used for people. Rarely, it can describe a high-performing product or vehicle (e.g., 'a hot-shot new engine'), but this is figurative extension from the personal meaning.
A person who is exceptionally skilled, successful, or confident, often with connotations of being newly successful or overly brash.
Hot shot is usually informal, sometimes slightly derogatory or ironic. in register.
Hot shot: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒt ʃɒt/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑːt ʃɑːt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a hot shot lawyer”
- “hot shot trader”
- “hot shot salesperson”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'shot' in basketball that is 'hot' (successful, on fire). The player making those shots is the hot shot.
Conceptual Metaphor
SUCCESS IS HEAT/FIRE (a 'hot' streak, 'on fire').
Practice
Quiz
In which context might the term 'hot shot' carry a slightly negative connotation?