hot-blooded

The compound "hot-blooded" is a vivid metaphorical construction from the late 16th century, directly combining the native English words "hot" and "blood." It originates from the ancient humoral theory of medicine, which posited that bodily fluids (humors) governed temperament. "Hot blood" was associated with the choleric or sanguine humors, believed to cause a passionate, courageous, and easily aroused disposition. Over time, the term solidified into a fixed adjective describing someone excitable or impetuous, while also gaining a literal zoological sense to describe warm-blooded animals. The logic moves from a literal physiological concept to a figurative descriptor of character.

Structure: hot (high temperature) + blood (life force) + ed (adjective suffix) - hot: From Old English hāt ("hot, burning, fervent"), of Proto-Germanic origin. In this compound, it metaphorically signifies intensity or passion. - blood: From Old English blōd ("blood, life"), of Proto-Germanic origin. In this compound, it metaphorically refers to temperament or innate spirit. - ed: A suffix forming adjectives from nouns or other adjectives, indicating possession of a quality (e.g., talented, winged).