How hot does something have to be to be hot?

Answer 1

There are at least two meanings of "hot" that this question could be referencing.

Hot, as in physical temperature

• A temperature as low as 110 degrees F can burn skin if the exposure is long enough. At 176 degrees F, severe burns can happen in less than a second.
• If food safety is the concern, 135 degrees F is the minimum temperature to hold hot food - but check your local regulations.
• Hot is relative. If you compare stars (as in astronomy) some are way hotter than others, but even the coldest burning star would incinerate everything.

Hot, as spicy hot in the mouth (like capsaicin)

Most spicy heat in foods comes from peppers. What is hot to one person won't necessarily be hot to another. Much of that has to do with how often someone eats spicy food. Even amongst peppers, there are varying degrees of heat - and how it hits you. Some spices provide a slow burn. Others are quite fast. Some will hit in the front of your mouth while others will come to full effect in the back of your tongue.

If you are talking Hollywood stars... Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.

Answer 2

Something is considered hot when its temperature is significantly higher than room temperature and is capable of causing discomfort or burns upon contact with skin. This can vary depending on the individual's sensitivity and the material being touched, but typically a temperature above 100°F (37.8°C) can be considered hot.