What is Hot Girl Summer? Everything You Need to Know

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Unpacking this popular social media phrase

Co-authored by Anyah Le Gilmore-Jones and Annie Johnston

Last Updated: July 10, 2024 Fact Checked

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What is a “hot girl summer?”

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Phrase Origin

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How to Have a Hot Girl Summer

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Is “hot girl summer" a good thing?

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Does “hot girl summer” mean you’re single?

Every year since 2019, an annual tradition among Gen Z women and girls has taken place. Each May, the same craze resurfaces, dominating conversations (particularly on TikTok)—the phrase being, you guessed it, “hot girl summer.” For those of us born a couple (or many) years before the Gen Z takeover, such a term might leave us scratching our heads. What exactly is a hot girl summer? Can you have one, too? We’re here to spill all the tea on what it means to have a hot girl summer, how to achieve one, and whether or not it’s a good thing.

What does it mean to have a “hot girl summer?”

A “hot girl summer” is when women are carefree, confident, and having fun during the summer months. The term is often used on social media and encourages people to prioritize fun, self-assurance, and personal happiness.

Section 1 of 5:

What is a “hot girl summer?”

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"Hot girl summer" is a phrase that encourages people to embrace confidence during the summer months. The phrase has gained popularity on social media, where it is used to encourage women to embrace a carefree and confident attitude. This message encourages women to have fun, be self-assured, and prioritize their own happiness during the summer season; however, it has since expanded to encompass individuals of all genders, becoming a broader symbol of self-confidence, positivity, and an empowered approach to life. ^{[1]
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- I've been going to the gym, got some fresh highlights, and have 3 vacations planned...I'm ready to have a hot girl summer!
- Melanie just seems so confident and carefree lately. She's definitely in her hot girl summer era!

Section 2 of 5:

Where does the phrase come from?

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The term "hot girl summer" originates from a 2019 song of the same name by Megan Thee Stallion. Megan coined the term 'hot girl summer' and propelled it into mainstream culture by featuring it in her music. Since 2016, Megan has used the moniker "Hot Girl Meg," which her fans subsequently adopted and helped gain significant traction across social media. ^{[2]
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- In a 2019 interview with The Root, Meg defined the phrase as being "about women and men being unapologetically themselves" and requiring "the ability to be the life of the party." ^{[3]
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- Though the term was coined by Megan Thee Stallion, it has become a cultural phenomenon, representing a distinct attitude, lifestyle, and movement.
- This phrase exemplifies how social media trends and celebrity influence can shape everyday language.

Section 3 of 5:

How to Have a Hot Girl Summer

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Be unapologetically you A big part of “hot girl summer” is being exactly who you are. Feeling a little lazy right now? That’s “hot girl summer!” Have the desire to completely change your hair color? That’s “hot girl summer,” too! “Hot girl summer” can be whatever you want it to be, as long as you’re doing what you want to do and you’re proud of it. Never let others dictate your own happiness and always be yourself . ^{[4]
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- Some great ways to be yourself include dressing in clothes you like (even if they aren’t trendy or in style), focusing on what makes you happy, embracing your own strengths, expressing yourself, and reminding yourself that you’re perfect the way you are.
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“Hot girl summer” encourages a breezy, feel-good attitude. Get out there and do the things you love! Make the most out of everything you do —whether it’s taking a yoga class, going out with friends, dating around, having self-care days, or starting a garden, go after the things that bring you joy. ^{[5]
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Embrace confidence Megan Thee Stallion confidently embraces a range of personas and appearances, with her "hot girl" persona simply being one manifestation of her self-assurance. Rather than adhering to conventional notions of attractiveness or typical behavioral norms, she presents herself in a manner that reflects her own sense of confidence and self-acceptance…which is the prime example of being confident in your “hot girl summer!” ^{[6]
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- To embrace your own confidence, stick to simple rituals like practicing self-love practicing self-love, dressing in a way that makes you feel beautiful, walking tall and proud, and speaking positively to and about yourself.
Ashley Graham, Model & Activist

Build your confidence through daily affirmations. "Confidence is not something that happens overnight. I have been working on it for a long time. I look in the mirror and do affirmations: 'You are bold. You are brilliant. You are beautiful.'"
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Be kind Being “hot” only goes as deeply as you treat other people. Kindness never goes out of style and it looks attractive on anyone—no matter who they are. Moreover, this includes being kind to yourself.
- Some ways to be kind to yourself include being more physically active, writing your thoughts out in a journal, taking social media breaks, reading more books, embracing the unknown, and setting goals to crush not only in the summer, but all year round. ^{[7]
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Don’t let being single get you down Many people have used the phrase “hot girl summer” to get over a breakup, deal with relationship problems, or move on from the past. The term teaches us to find happiness in being alone. For you, this may look like going out and meeting up with multiple partners to have a good time, or it might just be you doing things on your own and slaying as you do them. ^{[8]
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- While “hot girl summer” extends an offer to go out and have fun, it also may be a tempting phrase for some to go out and make reckless decisions. Creating healthy new habits and exploring new things is fine, but if you’re doing activities that are out of character for you—like using others as rebounds after a relationship—it’s worth exploring your feelings with a mental health professional.

Section 4 of 5:

Is “hot girl summer" a good thing?

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Some argue that “hot girl summer” glorifies hookup culture. Many feel that what began as a carefree message encouraging all women to embrace their authentic selves has evolved into a platform primarily empowering those interested in casual sexual encounters. Instead of encouraging women to embrace their true selves, the phrase has now become associated with the perceived need to hook up with as many partners as possible over the summer. ^{[9]
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- While some still use the phrase in correlation with its original meaning, it has become a controversial term in regard to how it evolved and is interpreted.
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Summer, ultimately, is what you want it to be—the phrase can be a good thing or a bad thing depending on how you look at it. Whether or not you’re saying “hot girl summer” to describe those warm months in your life, you should always take the time to embrace who you are, go about your life with confidence, and never let anyone else influence your sense of worth.

Section 5 of 5:

Does “hot girl summer” mean you’re single?

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For some, "hot girl summer" is tied to the idea of not being held down by a partner; but for others, it's simply a way to feel empowered and confident, whether in a relationship or not. Really, anyone can have a "hot girl summer!" ^{[10]
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