hot dog

The literal meaning refers to a specific type of fast food. While the term is ubiquitous, it is almost always used in a casual or informal register, associated with street vendors, sporting events, and backyard barbecues.

When used to describe a person, the term carries a negative or mocking connotation. It describes someone who engages in "showboating," particularly in sports, where their confidence crosses the line into arrogance. This usage is highly colloquial and is rarely found in formal writing or professional evaluations.