hotshot: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal, sometimes slightly derogatory or ironic.
Quick answer
What does “hotshot” mean?
A person who is exceptionally skilled, successful, or talented, often with connotations of being ambitious and confident, sometimes arrogantly so.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A person who is exceptionally skilled, successful, or talented, often with connotations of being ambitious and confident, sometimes arrogantly so.
It can refer specifically to a highly skilled pilot, driver, or athlete. As an adjective, it describes someone or something (e.g., a lawyer, a program) as being outstanding, top-tier, or aggressively successful.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The noun is used in both varieties. The verb form 'to hotshot' (to transport urgently) is primarily American, relating to freight/logistics.
Connotations
Similar connotations in both, though perhaps more common in American media/sports contexts.
Frequency
More frequent in American English.
Grammar
How to Use “hotshot” in a Sentence
[be] a hotshot[young/brash/new] hotshot [lawyer/pilot]hotshot [noun]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “hotshot” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The parts were hotshotted to the factory overnight. (Rare in UK)
American English
- We need to hotshot this shipment to the coast by tomorrow.
adjective
British English
- He joined a hotshot new fintech startup in London.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used for highly successful, often young and aggressive professionals in finance, law, or tech (e.g., 'a hotshot analyst').
Academic
Rare; if used, it's informal commentary on a brilliant but perhaps showy researcher.
Everyday
Informal description of someone very skilled and confident, often in sports or a hobby.
Technical
In aviation/firefighting: a highly skilled pilot, especially of emergency aircraft.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “hotshot”
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “hotshot”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hotshot”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Confusing it with 'hothead' (an impulsive person).
- Overusing as a pure compliment when a pejorative sense is intended.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be, but it's ambiguous. It acknowledges skill and success but often implies arrogance or showiness. Context and tone are crucial.
Yes, primarily in American English, meaning to transport something urgently or specially, especially freight or cargo.
An 'expert' is defined by knowledge/skill. A 'hotshot' implies that skill PLUS a high level of confidence, ambition, and often youth or rapid rise, sometimes with a flashy style.
No, it is firmly informal. It is unsuitable for academic or official documents.
A person who is exceptionally skilled, successful, or talented, often with connotations of being ambitious and confident, sometimes arrogantly so.
Hotshot: 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
- “[Be] the new hotshot in town.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SHOT that's so fast and accurate it's HOT (energetic, impressive) – a HOTSHOT makes impressive 'shots' in their field.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPETENCE IS HEAT/SPEED (a 'hot' performer), SUCCESS IS A HIGH POSITION (high-flyer).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'hotshot' MOST likely to be used pejoratively?