hots: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Informal, Slang
Quick answer
What does “hots” mean?
A strong romantic or sexual attraction towards someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A strong romantic or sexual attraction towards someone.
Informal phrase 'have the hots for' someone, meaning to be sexually or romantically obsessed or infatuated with them. Can also be used as a plural noun for feeling intense heat or arousal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Used in both varieties, but slightly more common in American English. The idiom is understood everywhere.
Connotations
Playful, informal, slightly suggestive or juvenile. Not vulgar, but not suitable for formal contexts. Can imply a temporary, lustful attraction rather than deep love.
Frequency
More frequent in spoken, informal American English (e.g., TV, movies, casual conversation). In British English, it may be perceived as an Americanism, though still understood and used.
Grammar
How to Use “hots” in a Sentence
[Subject] + have + the hots + for + [Object]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Highly inappropriate and never used.
Academic
Not used.
Everyday
Common in informal conversation among friends, especially younger adults.
Technical
Not used.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hots”
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hots”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hots”
- Using it as a singular noun ('a hot').
- Using it without 'the' ('have hots for').
- Using it in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, the standard, almost exclusive construction is 'to have the hots for someone.' Other variations like 'get the hots for' are possible but much less common.
No, it is almost exclusively used for people. You cannot 'have the hots for' a car or a pizza. It refers specifically to sexual/romantic attraction.
It is informal and suggestive, but not generally considered offensive among friends in casual settings. However, it could be seen as disrespectful or objectifying if used to describe someone without sensitivity.
'Have a crush on' is more innocent, romantic, and can be used by/for younger people. 'Have the hots for' implies a stronger, more physical or sexual desire and is used by older teens and adults.
A strong romantic or sexual attraction towards someone.
Hots is usually informal, slang in register.
Hots: in British English it is pronounced /hɒts/, and in American English it is pronounced /hɑːts/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “have the hots for someone”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of someone so attractive they make you feel HOT. You 'have the HOT feelingS' for them = have the HOTS.
Conceptual Metaphor
DESIRE IS HEAT / ATTRACTION IS A PHYSICAL FORCE.
Practice
Quiz
In which context is it appropriate to say 'have the hots for'?