Defined, "hot messes" refers to when a "person's appearance is in a state of total disarray while still maintaining an undeniable attractiveness" & allure.
Hot messes' are appealing for a variety of reasons, most notably because they're generally unexpected, capricious, & agonizingly provocative. Additionally, numerous contingent factors make duplication rare and continual repetition virtually impossible.
No one
set of guidelines can perpetually determine what distinguishes a "
hot mess" from an above-average train
wreck. Regardless of the circumstances, you know it when you see it; because they are typically conspicuous, and obviously they are always
awesome.
**The term "
hot mess" can also characterize a unique setting or situation, although in this context the usage parameters become more difficult to quantify.
Justin: "Did you see Molly this morning? We partied all
night and she ended up passing out on the lawn."
Eric: "Yea, she came in this morning to find the rest of her clothes. She looked terrible, and
awesome."
Justin: "Damn, hot messes' like that don't come around very often."