If you haven’t been living under a rock in the past two years, you would have come across the definition below. When it comes to trends, that has been the ‘It’ saying on every Instagram baddies' lips.
definition: “To be you, just having fun. Turning up, driving the boat and not giving a damn about what nobody’s saying.” (Meg Thee Stallion)
For those less familiar with it (this is a no judgment zone, but you have got to get to know) ‘Hot Girl Summer’ is a term coined by global music sensation, hip hop sweetheart and chief Hot Girl, rapper Megan Thee Stallion. The term really has set the internet ablaze, and has become part of the day-to-day vocabulary for millennial and Gen-Z women across the globe. With good reason too. That thing is catchy!
You will hear it in songs, on Instagram captions, on Twitter threads, on TikTok hashtags, on Facebook statuses, even on merch – and I’d be surprised if a lot of you out there are not currently organising a big staycation on a group chat named Hot Girl Summer 2k21 (or any variations of the latter).
You don’t have to be an active member of the Hot Girl Coach (Meg The Stallion fan base, also referred to as The Hotties), you don’t necessarily even have to be a girl either. Meg has made it her mission to make this a very inclusive space and that’s what's really cool about this movement.
Everyone is welcomed and definition is fluid, but with one mission: to normalise girls and women being allowed to be their best authentic selves without being shamed by their peers. By that, we mean eradicating society’s trope that is heavily based on misogynistic and one dimensional definitions on how to be a ‘good woman’. The view where the bachelor lifestyle is glorified, while women are forced to fear the judgement and criticism that will come with entertaining someone under similar pretences, or dressing a certain way, or simply for having a voice.
Society has single handedly managed to suppress a whole gender by using written and unwritten rules, mental restrictions and emotional shackles on women living in a way that was only acceptable for men. Where being unapologetically sexy, smart and independent is a sin. Well, Hot Girl Summer is a big middle finger to that.
That sole message really resonated with people, everywhere, and put social media hashtags on a choke-hold, as so many women were quick to add to their Instagram, Twitter and Facebook bios as if it was a personality trait, their star sign or even blood type. Before corporations got the chance to really capitalise on it, Meg made a song about it, back in 2019, featuring another Hip Hop icon and leader of ‘The Barbs’ Nicki Minaj and multifaceted music artist Ty Dolla Sign.
It quickly turned into a summer anthem and Meg went one step further to trademark Hot Girl Summer, as the ultimate Hot Girl move. Two years on and we are still using it on our vocabulary almost as often as we say ‘like’.
As much joy HGS has brought to social media lingo, there have been some dirty rumours speculating over whether Hot Girl Summer was still going ahead this year? I mean with the CEO of the movement getting cuffed up and in a cozy relationship with fellow rapper Pardison ‘PARDI’ Fontaine (we still haven’t forgiven you from stealing our girl sir), and with the uncertainty over lockdown, women across the globe have been left disorientated, confused and in despair.
Okay I am facetious, but there seems to be genuine concern over this on socials. I am here to tell you that the rumours are not true, and whether you're single or taken, in a lockdown or not, you can still enjoy your Hot Girl Summer 2021. Why? Because HGS is more than just a term, it’s a lifestyle, this global phenomenon of women being their best authentic selves is not defined by a relationship status, or your ‘body count’, or anything to do with how you navigate your relationship with your sexuality and spirit and no man or pandemic can stop that. In the words of our now taken Head Coach, Meg, herself: “Hot girl summer... but my man coming to pick me up after.”
So what are the rules you must follow to live my best hot Girl Summer you ask? It’s a trick question, there aren’t any! Whether it be love, sun, adventure, old friends or new friends and enjoyment, Hot girl summer has become the hottest trend to living your best life and it’s here to stay. We have asked 17 women from different ages and demographics what Hot Girl Summer means to them to inspire you to tap into your baddest hottest self, not only this summer, and the next, but beyond…
Read more: “I’m all about not worrying what people think”
Sharia, 28: "Hot Girl Summer is the biggest flex to owning yourself and your own choices. Single ladies: Text him and call the other guy back, wear the dress, the hot pants and the bralette as a top. The shapewear that makes you feel sexy that nobody needs to know about… And do that ratchet sexy dance you like. We are feeling ourselves and our girlfriends too, hot girl summer screams unashamed female empowerment!"
Sophie, 24: "Hot Girl Summer means having the best care-free summer with my girls and making so many bad decisions that you wake up the morning after and discuss what you did last night for hours on end. Or in the famous words of Drake, it means 'I'll be wearing less and going out more with glasses of champagne out on the dance floor'."
Nicole, 19: "Hot girl summer is not about necessarily being single, but rather prioritising a good time, being free, doing what you want and looking good but all for yourself of course."
Emily, 25: "Hot girl summer means saying "yes" to everything, hanging out with those who bring out the best in you and making the most of every day!! :) :)"
Nadine, 37: "Hot girl summer means believing in yourself, being confident, knowing who you are and being unapologetic. Not caring what anyone else thinks, having your hair done, having nice nails and going for it. Also, you can have a hot girl summer whilst being in a relationship, by being confident and knowing who you are, unapologetically."
Eki, 24: "HGS means shaking my ass... respectfully!"
Anaïs, 19: "HGS is essentially living your best life... in the summer! Similarly to the ‘glow up’ phrase, it’s a process which includes being and feeling like the best version of yourself with an added touch of doing what ever you find fun and exciting."
Michelle, 47: "I question the definition of ‘hot girl summer’. Your best life is whatever you define it to be, and if that is what is important to you, then fine. But equally if someone enjoyed reading as much as partying, that too should also be classified as a 'hot girl summer'."
Iman, 26: "HGS means getting my hair did, nails did everything did and showing up to every brunch, envelope opening and showing outttt!"
Ingha, 31: "For me part of hot girl summer is drunk girl summer! I’ll be making up for the last year of being at home."
Sarah, 25: "After being single for the duration of the pandemic, hot girl summer means the chance to have fun with my friends, be spontaneous and enjoy the best London has to offer in my 20s."
Javana, 27: "I am all for women doing things that are typically for men. Women should have sex if they want to have sex and wear what they want to wear. I definitely think a girl should be able to be a hot girl in the summer! Women are constantly judged for what they do so they may as well do what makes them happy, regardless."
Afreen, 24: "Hot girl summer is all about serving up raw unadulterated you, sis. It’s that walking out the house vibe on your shit, doing what you do best: you."
Alannah, 18: "Hot girl summer means a girl being her best self and feeling confident, it isn’t about getting with lots of lads. I personally think it’s just having fun in whatever way you want."
Finsu, 22: "HGS means leaving your responsibilities and boyfriends at the door..."
Alice, 25: "Hot girl Summer is being allowed to go to the club and leaving after half an hour when I become overwhelmed by the amount of people! Still a hot girl, despite my introverted ways!"
Ruby, 22: "HGS means wearing less and going out more, and when I am out, getting lit with my friends, and then getting my boyfriend to drive and pick me up after, I deserve!"
For more from Glamour UK Beauty & Features Assistant Shei Mamona, follow her on Instagram @sheimamona
