The term "hot," when used to describe a beautiful girl, emphasizes sexual attractiveness. While "beautiful" is a more general term encompassing aesthetic appeal, "hot" carries a stronger connotation of desire and arousal.
The Evolution of "Hot"
According to slang lexicographer Jonathon Green, the use of "hot" to describe someone sexually attractive dates back to at least the 1880s. Initially, it was primarily used by men to describe women. Interestingly, evidence suggests the word "hot" in the context of sexual arousal can be traced even further back to the 1380s! This demonstrates the long-standing association of the word with physical attraction and desire.
"Hot" vs. "Beautiful": A Nuance in Meaning
The difference between "hot" and "beautiful" lies in the implied context. "Beautiful" suggests an appreciation for overall aesthetic qualities, whereas "hot" directly conveys a strong sexual attraction. As one Reddit thread https://www.reddit.com/r/questions/comments/1dbeyjy/women_do_you_prefer_being_called_hot_sexy_or/ highlights, women often prefer "beautiful" as it feels less objectifying, particularly from those outside a romantic relationship. However, within a relationship, these terms might be interchangeable depending on personal preferences and the established dynamic.
Several Quora threads discuss this distinction. One explains that "hot" implies someone you'd like to have sex with, focusing on physical attributes directly related to sexual attraction. https://www.quora.com/Why-would-a-woman-always-be-called-hot-instead-of-pretty-or-beautiful-Would-that-mean-she-is-giving-off-one-vibe-only-What-would-my-fellow-Quorans-prefer Another post emphasizes that the preference for one term over the other often depends on the context and the relationship between the speaker and the person being described. https://www.quora.com/What-is-the-difference-between-beautiful-and-hot-What-would-a-girl-prefer-being-called
Context Matters
The appropriateness of using "hot" depends heavily on context. Calling a child "hot" is highly inappropriate, as emphasized in various online discussions. https://www.thestudentroom.co.uk/showthread.php?t=2639381 The term's use should always be considerate of the relationship and age of the person being described.
