Pronunciation: [hˈɒtfʊtɪd] (IPA) 
The word "hotfooted" is spelled with two syllables: "hot" and "footed". The first syllable, "hot", is pronounced with the long o sound /ɑ/ and a silent h, while the second syllable, "footed", is pronounced with the vowel sound /u/ and the consonants /f/, /t/, and /d/. The word means to move quickly or in a hurry, as if one's feet were hot. It is often used in phrases such as "hotfoot it" or "hotfoot away".
Hotfooted is an adjective that describes a person who moves quickly, often in a hurried or hasty manner. The term is derived from the metaphorical idea of having a hot foot, as if being propelled forward by a burning sensation. This word can also refer to the act of moving swiftly on foot, as if one's feet were on fire.
This term is frequently used to describe someone who is in a rush or who is eager to reach a destination. It suggests a sense of urgency, impatience, or a desire to accomplish something hastily. When someone is hotfooted, they typically display a rapid pace and purposeful movements, as if they are on a mission.
The term is often employed in colloquial contexts to express someone's enthusiasm or excitement for something. For example, if someone is excitedly and eagerly running towards a concert, they can be described as hotfooted. It conveys the notion of energetic and eager movement.
Furthermore, hotfooted can also be used idiomatically to refer to a person or animal that is fleeing a particular situation hastily. In this context, it implies a sense of urgency and desperation. For instance, a gazelle hotfooted away from the approaching lion.
In summary, hotfooted refers to a person or animal that moves swiftly, often denoting a sense of urgency, enthusiasm, or flight.
The word "hotfooted" originated from two separate words. The first part, "hot", can be traced to the Old English word "hat", meaning "heat" or "burning". This eventually evolved into the Middle English word "hot", with the same meaning. The second part, "footed", is derived from the Old English word "fōt", meaning "foot". Together, "hotfooted" refers to the action of moving or running quickly, as if one's feet were on fire.
