Glossary entry (derived from question below)
English term or phrase:
a hot topic
English answer:
an issue of pressing/paramount/deep concern / intensively discussed / a highly controversial issue
- The asker opted for community grading. The question was closed on 2014-08-27 11:54:09 based on peer agreement (or, if there were too few peer comments, asker preference.)
English term
a hot topic
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I think "a hot topic" is too ... ordinary, is there any better expression? Tks.
...heavily examined? heatedly discussed? These do not sound like authentic English.
Aug 25, 2014 01:14: Phoenix III changed "Level" from "PRO" to "Non-PRO"
Non-PRO (3): Edith Kelly, Yvonne Gallagher, Phoenix III
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Responses
an issue of pressing/paramount/deep concern / intensively discussed / a highly controversial issue
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Zsofia Koszegi-Nagy
24 mins
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Thanks, Zsofia :)
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Muhammad Said
34 mins
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Thanks, Muhammad :)
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Rachel Fell
: yes, or the subject of much discussion
1 hr
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Yes, indeed. Thanks, Rachel :)
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Björn Vrooman
: Guess "hot-button" is journalese. BTW, shouldn't it be "in Western literature"? // Thought of that too, but "this topic...in the...writings on this subject" could be rephrased. PS: "Gaokao" should be capitalized as well (in my opinion).
1 hr
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Thanks, Björn :) I would say so, yes (so fine if that's what's wanted). "In *the* Western [yes: capital W] literature" is OK here; it means "in the Western writings on this subject". // Agreed re. Gaokao, and yes, I think it could.
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David Hollywood
: I like Rachel's "the subject of much discussion" and maybe "a highly debated issue" as an alternative
2 hrs
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Thanks, David :) As I say, it really depends on what the asker wants to say; I get the impression that something a bit more emphatic is required. I'd prefer "hotly" or perhaps "vigorously" with "debated".
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eski
: Pretty well covers the meaning. :))
5 hrs
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Thanks a lot, eski :)
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Aleksandra Kleschina
5 hrs
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Thanks, Aleksandra :)
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Thayenga
: You've listed them all, Charles. Enjoy your Sunday. :)
8 hrs
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Well, some of them anyway! Thanks, Thayenga, and same to you :)
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Edith Kelly
9 hrs
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Thanks, Edith :)
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Yvonne Gallagher
: BTW never heard of "hot button"
13 hrs
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Thanks, Gallagy :) I must admit I hadn't either, and I had to look it up. Mainly American, I think.
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JaneTranslates
: I like "an issue of paramount concern." It sounds quite formal, yet is easy to understand, and it avoids the "controversy" issue.
1 day 2 hrs
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Thanks, Jane :) I think that's a good option.
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Jean-Claude Gouin
: I just had to add my 2¢ worth ... even if the asker chose your answer a long time ago ...
19 days
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Thanks very much for taking the trouble! All best :)
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United States
True words...
Native in: English (Variant: US) 
, Spanish (Variant: Latin American)
Works in: Spanish to English, Spanish, English, and 1 more.
Discussion
Here's an explanation: http://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-a-hot-button-issue.htm
See also the following link. You'll find some (American) references on the right side of the page here.
http://www.vocabulary.com/dictionary/hot-button issue
In addition, you have a long list of books using the word(s).