hotshot

American  

[hot-shot] / ˈhɒtˌʃɒt /

adjective

1. highly successful and aggressive.

   a hotshot lawyer; a hotshot account exec.

2. displaying skill flamboyantly.

   a hotshot ballplayer.

3. moving, going, or operating without a stop; fast.

   a hotshot express.

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noun

1. an impressively successful or skillful and often vain person.

2. Railroads. an express freight train.

3. a firefighter.

hotshot British  

/ ˈhɒtˌʃɒt /

noun

1. informal an important person or expert, esp when showy

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Usage

What does hotshot mean? A hotshot is someone who’s highly talented and successful in a particular field, especially someone who’s cocky about it.Hotshot can also be used as an adjective to describe such a person. When it’s used as an adjective, it typically modifies a noun that refers to a person’s profession or position, as in hotshot programmer and hotshot quarterback.Example: I heard they brought in some hotshot lawyer to take over the case.

Etymology

Origin of hotshot

First recorded in 1595–1605; hot + shot ¹

Example Sentences

People start claiming your hotshot 27-year-old offensive coordinator is the reason for your success.

From The Wall Street Journal

Shifting the center of mass rearward dramatically improved the Corvette’s balance and hotshot acceleration.

From The Wall Street Journal

The Eddie Murphy vehicle chronicles a hotshot advertising executive’s rude awakening after a merger leaves him with a new boss.

From The Wall Street Journal

Minka Kelly plays a hotshot executive — shorthand for misguided, unfulfilled — out to acquire a French Champagne vineyard.

From Los Angeles Times

He was no longer the hotshot Duke star, the aimless former lottery pick, the reliable NBA starter, the trusted vet or famous podcaster.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• accomplished
• adroit
• capable
• deft
• proficient
• skilled
• skillful
• versed