VocabDictionary

hotshot

/ˈhɒt.ʃɒt/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.noun

A person who is exceptionally talented, successful, or skillful in a particular field, often characterized by a confident or showy demeanor.

Example Sentences:
  • The new hotshot in the marketing department managed to double our sales in just three months.
  • He thinks he's a real hotshot just because he learned how to code a basic website.
2.adjective

Displaying great skill or success; highly capable or ambitious, sometimes implying a sense of arrogance.

Example Sentences:
  • She was hired as a hotshot consultant to turn the failing company around.
  • The team brought in a hotshot lawyer to handle the high-stakes litigation.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “hotshot”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Originating in the early 20th century (circa 1920s), the term likely derives from the combination of 'hot' (implying speed, intensity, or excellence) and 'shot' (referring to a marksman or a person of high capability). It was initially used in American English to describe a fast, high-priority train or a person who performed tasks with exceptional speed and skill.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Imagine a 'hot' shooter who never misses a 'shot'—they are so good they are a hotshot.

Frequently Asked Questions About “hotshot

1. What is the meaning of “hotshot” in English?

In English, hotshot (noun) is defined as: “A person who is exceptionally talented, successful, or skillful in a particular field, often characterized by a confident or showy demeanor.”.

2. How do you use “hotshot” in a sentence?

The new hotshot in the marketing department managed to double our sales in just three months.

3. What are English synonyms of “hotshot”?

Common synonyms include:whiz,expert,prodigy,high-flyer,ace

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “hotshot”?

Originating in the early 20th century (circa 1920s), the term likely derives from the combination of 'hot' (implying speed, intensity, or excellence) and 'shot' (referring to a marksman or a person of high capability). It was initially used in American English to describe a fast, high-priority train or a person who performed tasks with exceptional speed and skill.