What Is A 'Thot?' The Slang Term Explained

What is the difference between a "thought" and a "thot?" Both might be on your mind at any given time, both are frequently talked about online, and both can be controversial. The derogatory slang term, borrowed from hip-hop culture, continues to swirl about the feeds. So let's break down its history and meanings.

What Is A 'Thot?'

Thot is a derogatory term for a woman. It refers to a promiscuous and greedy kind of person who uses her charms to take advantage of others and gain money or power. Reportedly, "thot" was an acronym for "That Hoe Over There," a way of discreetly pointing out a woman in a room and talking about her without her knowledge.

Thots are thought to wear a lot of make-up and follow habits similar to other stereotypes, such as basic bitches. Often, they seem to be the kind of woman that men want to warn other men against getting involved with.

Where Did 'Thot' Come From?

"Thot" originated with the Chicago Drill scene in the early 2010s, seeing a first Urban Dictionary entry in December of 2012. By 2013, the term entered the mainstream as rappers from that scene such as Chief Keef used it in titles and lyrics.

By the mid-2010s, "thot" was well-represented on all social media platforms and had entered everyday speech. There was some amount of backlash: many felt that "thot" was misogynistic.

How Has The Internet Responded to 'Thot?'

Many online posted about their desire to avoid '"hots," in a mid-2010s trend that saw an early use of red laser eyes to symbolize mental power (which have since become a trademark of memes like Dark Brandon). Some posters sought to banish them by declaring begone, thot.

Meme trends like thot patrol stressed the need to monitor and police thots, in an arguably disturbing way.

Is 'Thot' Good For Our Society?

"Thot" is a term derogatory to women, and many "thot" memes play with the idea of hunting thots and doing violent things to them. Arguably, "thot" is a sort of slur used to dismiss women who look a certain way and act a certain way. In this sense, it might not be good for society, which is already full of messages and words to belittle women.

Some, however, have tried to expand the definition of "thot" to include males or others who are shallow and materialistic in matters of the heart.

For the full details on the thot meme, be sure to check out our entry on the meme for even more information.