hothead
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /hˈɒthɛd/
US
- /hˈɑːthɛd/
Description
- Quick-tempered
- easily angered
- impulsive
A "hothead" is a person who loses their temper quickly and acts without thinking. Think of a volcano: pressure builds up inside until boom! That is the basic idea here. This kind of person may yell, argue, or become aggressive when upset. Everyone gets frustrated sometimes, but a hothead gets angry too fast, often over small things. People like this often regret what they said or did once they calm down.
The term "hothead" describes someone who is easily provoked and tends to react with anger very quickly instead of staying calm. It suggests a fiery temper and a habit of acting on emotion before stopping to think. The image behind the word is simple: the person's temper "heats up" fast and takes control.
Today, the word is most often used in everyday situations. It usually describes someone with a short fuse, someone who may fly off the handle over a small problem, start a heated argument, or make a bad decision in the heat of the moment. The word is often negative because it suggests poor self-control, not just strong feelings.
It is important to note that being assertive is not the same thing. An assertive person speaks clearly and firmly but stays in control. A hothead reacts with emotion and may say or do something reckless. In stories, this kind of character may rush into fights, arguments, or bold decisions without thinking about the result. You might say, "He's known for being a bit of a hothead, so try not to push him," or "Her quick temper made her seem like a hothead around the office."
So, if someone gets angry quickly and reacts in an explosive, impulsive way, they are likely a "hothead" - a person whose temper stays close to the surface.
Examples
- 1
Workplace temperament
Everyone in the office knows Ben is a hothead, so they give him time to cool off.
- 2
Personal change
She was a real hothead in her twenties, but she's much calmer now.
- 3
Team sports
The club can't afford another hothead on the team.
- 4
Digital messages
He sent a second angry message and looked like a hothead.
- 5
Character growth
At the start of the series, he's just a young hothead, but he grows into a careful leader.
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- hotheadnoun