Hotheaded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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hotheaded

[หˆhษ’tหŒhษ›dษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adjective

personality trait

Hotheaded describes someone who is easily angered or quick to become angry. Such individuals often react impulsively, sometimes leading to conflicts or rash decisions. This trait may stem from a passionate nature, but it can also hinder interpersonal relationships if not managed properly. Hotheaded individuals may need to develop better coping strategies to handle their emotions in a more constructive way.

Synonyms

choleric, irascible, quick-tempered, tempestuous.

Examples of usage

  • His hotheaded reaction caused a scene at the meeting.
  • She has a hotheaded temper when she feels challenged.
  • Being hotheaded often leads to regrettable words during arguments.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Research shows that hotheaded individuals may have lower frustration tolerance, causing them to react more swiftly to irritation.
  • Anger management techniques can be effective in helping hotheaded individuals control their emotions and reactions.
  • The fight-or-flight response, often triggered in hotheaded people, can lead to an escalation in conflicts due to heightened emotional states.

Pop Culture

  • Characters depicted as hotheaded often appear in movies and television, representing the archetype of the 'angry hero' who acts before thinking.
  • In literature, hotheaded characters typically drive conflict and drama, such as in Shakespeare's 'Romeo and Juliet' with Tybalt's furious nature.
  • The trope is frequently used in animated shows, where hotheaded characters provide comic relief through their overreactions.

Literature

  • In classic literature, hotheadedness often serves as a catalyst for tragedy, pushing characters into destructive behaviors.
  • Famous literary figures like Heathcliff from 'Wuthering Heights' display hotheaded traits, leading to intense emotional drama.
  • The hotheaded character arc is often used to depict growth, showing how the character learns to manage their anger over time.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, being hotheaded is viewed negatively, while in others, it may be celebrated as a sign of passion and intensity.
  • Different cultural norms dictate how emotion is expressed; in some, being hotheaded might be considered honorable when fighting for justice.
  • Some cultures promote community or family interventions for hotheaded individuals, emphasizing the importance of emotional control.

Origin of 'hotheaded'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'hotheaded' dates back to the 16th century, combining 'hot' (intense) and 'headed' (referring to one's mindset).
  • Historically, the word has been associated with impulsive behavior, often indicating a person who acts without thinking.
  • The phrase has roots in the idiom 'hot under the collar,' which suggests someone is flustered or angry.

The word 'hotheaded' is a compound adjective formed from the words 'hot' and 'headed.' 'Hot' in this context refers to the idea of warmth or intensityโ€”often associated with emotions such as anger or excitement. 'Headed' relates to one's disposition or state of mind. The term is believed to have emerged in the English language during the 16th century. It reflects the longstanding association between heat and passionate emotions. Over time, 'hotheaded' has been applied to describe individuals whose heated tempers can lead to irrational behaviors or conflicts, capturing the essence of impulsivity in emotional responses.


Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,949, 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.