1. noun, slang Someone who is very successful and confident, often in a brash or flashy manner. The term can be used derisively to show one's annoyance with someone who behaves this way. Of course we want to hire Adam—he's a real hotshot in the law world, you know. OK, hotshot, you can do all the work by yourself then.

2. adjective, slang Describing such a person, either favorably or derisively. Of course we want to hire a hotshot lawyer like Adam—he'd be a great addition to the firm. Have that hotshot intern do all the work by himself then.