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3. a hot mess

a hot mess

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a hot mess

1. Any situation or thing that is in an abject state of disorder, disarray, or chaos. Primarily heard in US. This film is just a hot mess—the plot doesn't make sense, the acting is terrible, and it's edited so poorly that I can barely tell what's even happening on the screen.

2. A person who is disheveled or disordered in life, manner, or appearance. Primarily heard in US. Josh has been a hot mess lately. He lost his job, took to drinking, and hasn't much looked after himself.

See also: hot, mess