hot dog
hot dog – A showoff, a flashy performer. The term originated in the late 1800s in sports, where it signified an exceptionally skillful athlete, but it soon came to mean a person who showed off his or her abilities in any context. It also gave rise to the verb to hot dog, meaning to show off. Thus, “Brian’s always going to be a hot dog; he just can’t sit back and let others do it.” It should not be confused with the name for a frankfurter, which dates from the same time.
Related Terms & Synonyms
- Showboat: A person who enjoys showing off, particularly in front of an audience. 🛳️
- Peacock: Refers to someone flaunting their feathers, metaphorically or otherwise. 🦚
- Prima donna: Original term for the lead female singer in an opera, now broadened to anyone acting in a self-important manner. 🎭
- Braggart: Someone boastful. Think of Shakespeare’s Falstaff, endlessly bragging. 😏
Antonyms
- Wallflower: Someone who is shy or reserved at social gatherings. 🌼
- Introvert: A person who prefers solitude over social interactions. 🤐
- Team player: Focuses on group success rather than individual limelight. 👫
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Hot dogs make better showboats than stealthy spies.” – 🍟 Unknown humorist.
- “Being a hot dog isn’t all it’s franked up to be.” – 🌭 Unfamous person at a BBQ.
Proverbs and Common Sayings
- “Pride goes before a fall” – Don’t show off too much; it might just lead to your downfall. 📜
Literature, Books, Songs, Poetry, and Movies
- “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Jay Gatsby is the ultimate showoff, and for good reason—parties, luxury, and a mysterious background. 📚
- “Cool Runnings” (1993): A story of hot dogs (aka showoffs) in the world of Olympic bobsledding. 🛷
- Song: “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon: An anthem for the classic “hot dog”. 🎶
Fun with Idioms: Quizzes 🎉
### Which of these is a real idiom?
- [x] Hot dog
- [ ] Bat-splash
- [ ] Windy runner
- [ ] Glow skip
> **Explanation:** "Hot dog" is indeed a real idiom indicating a showoff. The others? Totally made up, but fun to imagine!
### Which phrase is genuine?
- [ ] Splashing with eagles
- [x] Showboating
- [ ] Moonwalking with stars
- [ ] Flaunt snorkeling
> **Explanation:** "Showboating" is a real phrase meaning to show off. The others would look good on a T-shirt though!
### True or False: 'Hot dog' is a term only used for food.
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False! It also means someone showing off, not just our beloved frankfurter.
And remember: Always “frankly” be yourself, but perhaps hold the relish! 🌭
Author: Sparkles McShowoff
Publishing Date: 2023-10-01
“Strut your stuff but remember: In a world full of frankfurters, be a hot dog worth savoring.” – Sparkles McShowoff
