hot-headed

USAGE SUMMARY

"hot-headed" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is overly emotional, impulsive, and easily angered. Example sentence: The hot-headed politician quickly became frustrated with his opponent's views.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

The next day, Torrey, the hot-headed homesteader, heads into town.

The New York Times

Very hot-headed.

The Guardian

Both are hot-headed, emotional, complex characters.

The Guardian - Sport

Not to be as hot-headed as I am.

Independent

Gingrich isn't the answer: he's hot-headed and truculent.

The New York Times

That insulates us from being a hot-headed legislature.

The New Yorker

He even makes jokes about his hot-headed reputation.

The Economist

Mladic was the hot-headed bulldozer of the three.

The Guardian

She is level-headed and she is hot-headed.

The New York Times

"We were all hot-headed and angry," he recalled.

The New York Times

VIOLENCE -- A little hot-headed pushing and shoving.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as "hot-headed", provide specific examples of their behavior to support your characterization and avoid generalization.

Common error

Avoid using "hot-headed" when you simply mean someone is passionate or enthusiastic. "Hot-headed" implies impulsivity and anger, not just strong feelings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "hot-headed" functions primarily as an adjective, modifying a noun to describe someone who is easily angered or prone to impulsive behavior. Ludwig's examples show it characterizing people in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "hot-headed" is a frequently used adjective to describe someone easily angered and prone to impulsive actions. As confirmed by Ludwig, it correctly follows grammatical rules and finds its primary use in "News & Media". When using "hot-headed", it's crucial to support this characterization with specific behavioral examples to avoid generalizations and ensure clarity. While readily understood, it's important to distinguish "hot-headed" from mere passion; the term specifically implies a tendency toward anger and impulsivity. When precision is needed, alternatives like "quick-tempered" or "easily provoked" might offer more nuance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

quick-tempered

Emphasizes the speed with which the person's temper flares up, a direct synonym.

easily angered

A straightforward description of someone prone to anger, lacking the nuance of "hot-headed".

on a short fuse

An idiom that vividly describes someone who gets angry easily and quickly.

irascible

A more formal and less common term for someone easily angered, suggesting a constant state of irritability.

easily provoked

Focuses on the ease with which the person is triggered, highlighting their susceptibility to anger.

choleric

A personality type characterized by irritability and anger, rooted in ancient temperament theory.

volatile

Implies an unpredictable and potentially explosive nature, focusing on the instability of emotions.

fiery

Suggests a passionate and intense nature, with a connotation of potential anger or aggression.

impetuous

Highlights the tendency to act without thinking, emphasizing rash decisions rather than anger itself.

rash

Similar to impetuous, but focuses on the recklessness and potential consequences of acting quickly.

FAQs

How can I use "hot-headed" in a sentence?

You can use "hot-headed" to describe someone who is easily angered and impulsive. For example, "The "hot-headed player" received a penalty for his aggressive behavior".

What's a less common synonym for "hot-headed"?

A less common, more formal synonym for "hot-headed" is "irascible", which implies a tendency to be easily provoked to anger.

Is it appropriate to describe someone in a professional setting as "hot-headed"?

While accurate, describing someone as "hot-headed" in a professional setting might be perceived as judgmental. Consider using a more neutral term like "quick to react" or "easily frustrated".

What is the difference between "hot-headed" and "passionate"?

"Hot-headed" implies impulsivity and anger, while "passionate" suggests strong enthusiasm and dedication. A passionate person may be very involved, while a hot-headed person is prone to anger.