What is the origin of the word 'hotspot'?

Answer 1

The actual etymology of "hotspot" is simply a combination of the words hot and spot. The origin in terms of first usages depends on the precise meaning of the word. According to the Oxford English Dictionary: 1) Hotspot as a dangerous place, especially one where armed conflict is taking place, was first used in print in March 1865 in the New Sporting Magazine: "Reynard meanwhile, his course now run, undone, Seeks shelter in the shepherd's cot;hot spot For him! where soon the pack smack whack Into him." 2) The first recorded use of hotspot to mean a nightclub or similar which is exciting is in the Wisconsin State Journal for 15 December 1930: "The Tub, ‘Mr. Zero's’ old haven for bums, is now one of 2nd Avenue's better hotspots." The etymology of both of these senses is obvious - a metaphorical application of "hot" combined with the sense of "spot" as a distinct and easily identified location.