hot stuff: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2-C1Informal, colloquial, sometimes slang. Common in spoken English, journalism, and entertainment contexts.
Quick answer
What does “hot stuff” mean?
Someone or something that is currently very popular, exciting, impressive, or sexually attractive.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Someone or something that is currently very popular, exciting, impressive, or sexually attractive.
Can refer to a person who is very skilled or successful, an object of great desire, or something that is currently trendy or in high demand. Often used informally and sometimes ironically.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is very similar. Slightly more prevalent in American media and entertainment commentary. In UK, might be used with a more ironic or mocking tone.
Connotations
US: Often enthusiastic, celebratory of success or appeal. UK: Can be more tempered, sometimes implying the subject is overhyped or aware of their own hype.
Frequency
Moderate frequency in both, but considered a somewhat dated informal phrase. More common in mid-20th century; now often used nostalgically or for deliberate stylistic effect.
Grammar
How to Use “hot stuff” in a Sentence
[Person/Thing] + be + hot stuff[Person] + think + Reflexive Pronoun + be + hot stuffregard + [Person/Thing] + as + hot stuffVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hot stuff” in a Sentence
noun
British English
- That new indie band from Bristol is hot stuff on the music scene.
- He came in wearing the latest designer gear, thinking he was hot stuff.
American English
- Her startup's valuation doubled in a month; she's definitely hot stuff in Silicon Valley.
- The quarterback was considered hot stuff after winning the championship.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in very informal contexts describing a sought-after product or executive ('Their new AI tool is hot stuff right now').
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Used to describe fashionable items, popular celebrities, or someone acting arrogantly ('Ever since he got that promotion, he thinks he's hot stuff').
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hot stuff”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it to describe actual temperature of objects ('This soup is hot stuff').
- Overusing the phrase; it has a dated, stylistic flavour.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, but it often carries a nuance. When said about someone else sincerely, it's a compliment. When said about someone sarcastically, or in the phrase 'he thinks he's hot stuff', it criticises arrogance.
Yes, it can refer to any thing that is currently very popular, trendy, or impressive, like a new tech gadget, a car, or a fashion item.
It is strictly informal and colloquial. It is not suitable for academic, business, or official writing.
It has a slightly dated feel, originating in mid-20th century slang. It is still understood and used, often with a nostalgic or deliberately stylistic tone.
Someone or something that is currently very popular, exciting, impressive, or sexually attractive.
Hot stuff: in British English it is pronounced /ˌhɒt ˈstʌf/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌhɑːt ˈstʌf/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He thinks he's hot stuff”
- “Not so hot stuff”
- “The next hot stuff”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a steaming, freshly baked pie labelled 'STUFF'. Everyone is crowding around it because it's so HOT and desirable. Hot Stuff = something everyone currently wants.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRABILITY/QUALITY IS HEAT. (Cf. 'hot property', 'hot ticket', 'selling like hotcakes').
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'hot stuff' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?