Hothead: meaning, definitions and examples

🔥
Add to dictionary

hothead

 

[ ˈhɒtˌhɛd ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

personality trait

A hothead is someone who is easily angered or who has a quick temper. They may react impulsively and aggressively in situations of conflict or stress.

Synonyms

firebrand, hotheaded person, hotspur.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hothead

Used to describe someone who easily gets angry or acts impulsively. This term can often have a negative connotation.

  • Don't take him too seriously; he's a bit of a hothead.
  • The decision was made in the heat of the moment by a hothead.
hotspur

An old-fashioned word mainly used in literature to describe a rash or impetuous person. It is less commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • The knight was known as a hotspur for his reckless bravery in battle.
  • In the story, the young man was a hotspur, always charging ahead without thinking.
firebrand

Refers to a person who is passionate about a cause, typically one that involves change or activism. This term can be either positive or negative depending on the context.

  • The young politician was known as a firebrand for her strong speeches.
  • The protest was led by a firebrand who demanded immediate action.
hotheaded person

Describes someone who is easily angered or quick to react impulsively. Similar to 'hothead,' this term often carries a negative connotation.

  • He's a hotheaded person who often gets into unnecessary arguments.
  • A hotheaded person isn't always the best leader in tense situations.

Examples of usage

  • He's such a hothead, always getting into arguments over the smallest things.
  • Try not to provoke him, he's a real hothead and can lose his temper quickly.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

A hothead can also refer to someone who is impulsive or reckless in their actions, often without thinking about the consequences.

Synonyms

impulsive person, reckless individual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
hothead

Use 'hothead' to describe someone who easily gets angry or upset, often losing their temper quickly. This term has a somewhat negative connotation.

  • John is such a hothead; he yelled at the waiter for a minor mistake.
  • Don't be a hothead; take a moment to calm down before reacting.
impulsive person

Refers to someone who acts on sudden urges or desires without thinking through the consequences. This can be neutral or slightly negative depending on the situation.

  • She's an impulsive person who often buys things she doesn't need.
  • As an impulsive person, he decided to go on a trip without any planning.
reckless individual

Describes someone who acts without regard for the potential risks or consequences, often putting themselves or others in danger. This term has a strong negative connotation.

  • A reckless individual sped down the highway, endangering everyone around.
  • His reckless behavior got him into trouble with the law.

Examples of usage

  • Don't be such a hothead and think before you act.
  • His hotheadedness often gets him into trouble.

Translations

Translations of the word "hothead" in other languages:

🇵🇹 cabeça quente

🇮🇳 गर्म दिमाग

🇩🇪 Hitzkopf

🇮🇩 kepala panas

🇺🇦 гарячий голова

🇵🇱 gorąca głowa

🇯🇵 短気な人 (たんきなひと)

🇫🇷 tête brûlée

🇪🇸 cabeza caliente

🇹🇷 sıcak kafa

🇰🇷 성급한 사람

🇸🇦 رأس حار

🇨🇿 horká hlava

🇸🇰 horúca hlava

🇨🇳 火爆脾气 (huǒbào píqì)

🇸🇮 vroča glava

🇮🇸 heitt höfuð

🇰🇿 қызуқанды

🇬🇪 ცხელი თავი

🇦🇿 isti baş

🇲🇽 cabeza caliente

Etymology

The term 'hothead' originated in the late 19th century, combining 'hot' (in the sense of quick to anger) and 'head' (referring to the mind or temperament). It has been used to describe individuals with fiery temperaments or impulsive behaviors.

See also: beheader, head, headache, headband, headbands, header, headgear, headhunter, heading, headland, headline, headman, headmaster, headmistress, headpiece, headquarters, headrest, headscarf, headset, headshot, headsman, headstall, headstrong, headwear, headwind, headwrap, overhead.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #38,729, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.