hottie: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2 (Rare in formal contexts, moderate-high in informal spoken English).Informal, casual, slang.
Quick answer
What does “hottie” mean?
An attractive person (informal and often objectifying).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An attractive person (informal and often objectifying).
A term for a hot water bottle or a portable, microwavable heat pack; also, in very informal slang, a sexually attractive person.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In the UK, 'hottie' more commonly refers to a hot water bottle. In the US, it is almost exclusively slang for an attractive person.
Connotations
UK: Can be neutral (object) or slang (person). US: Primarily objectifying slang; using it for an object (e.g., 'microwaveable hottie') might be misunderstood.
Frequency
Equally frequent in informal speech, but for different referents. The person-sense is increasing in the UK due to US media influence.
Grammar
How to Use “hottie” in a Sentence
(determiner) + hottieto be a hottiethe new hottie at/in...to call someone a hottieVocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Never appropriate.
Academic
Never appropriate.
Everyday
Appropriate only in very casual, informal contexts among peers. Highly context-sensitive and often considered disrespectful.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “hottie”
- Using it in formal writing.
- Using it to describe someone to their face or in a professional setting.
- Misunderstanding the UK object meaning in the US (e.g., 'I brought my hottie to bed' could cause major confusion).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be intended as one in very informal settings, but it is objectifying and may be considered rude or disrespectful, especially if used by or towards someone you don't know well.
Yes, especially in British English, where it's a common term for a hot water bottle or a reusable heat pack.
It can be. Its use reduces a person to their physical appearance. It is generally inappropriate in professional, academic, or polite social contexts. Sensitivity is required.
'Hot' is an adjective ('He is hot'). 'Hottie' is a noun referring to the person ('He is a hottie'). The noun form is more explicitly objectifying.
An attractive person (informal and often objectifying).
Hottie is usually informal, casual, slang. in register.
Hottie: in British English it is pronounced /ˈhɒt.i/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈhɑː.t̬i/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'hot' + the '-ie/-y' diminutive suffix. It's either a 'little hot thing' you cuddle (bottle) or a 'hot' (attractive) person.
Conceptual Metaphor
ATTRACTIVENESS IS HEAT (He's so hot).
Practice
Quiz
In which context would 'hottie' be MOST appropriate?