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Pop Culture Fandom, memes, franchises and the way films spill into everyday life.

Hot Girl Summer: Meaning & Definition in Film

"Hot Girl Summer" is a slang term and cultural mantra about feeling confident, having fun, and living your best life during the summer months, regardless of relationship status.

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A Season of Confidence

“Hot Girl Summer” is a viral slang term and cultural mindset that was coined by the American rapper Megan Thee Stallion in 2019. It is not about a literal temperature, but about an attitude. It represents a season of unapologetic self-confidence, personal growth, having fun with friends, and living life on your own terms, without concern for others’ opinions. While it originated with “girl,” the term is understood to be inclusive and is about embodying a confident state of mind, regardless of gender or relationship status.

Just as cuffing season defines a genre of cozy winter films, “Hot Girl Summer” has come to describe a specific mood of movie, perfect for the summer months. A “Hot Girl Summer movie” is the cinematic embodiment of freedom, fun, and empowerment.

Key characteristics and examples of Hot Girl Summer movies include:

  • Vibrant, Energetic Tone: These films are often bright, colorful, and full of energy. Movie musicals like Mamma Mia! and In the Heights are perfect examples.
  • Focus on Friendship: Many of these films celebrate the power of friendship, especially female friendship, such as in road trip or girls’ trip movies like Girls Trip, Booksmart, or Bridesmaids.
  • Themes of Independence: The narrative often centers on a character’s journey of self-discovery and empowerment, frequently after a breakup, as seen in films like Someone Great.

See the vocabulary at work in real films

Look up any movie for its ratings, cast and crew, box office run and where to watch, or read the full plot with the ending explained.

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More Pop Culture & Fandom Terms

Entries filed on the same shelf as Hot Girl Summer, each with the one-line answer first. They are the words that usually come up in the same conversation.

All 281 terms

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