I have noticed over the years that people who don’t live in Atlanta will often refer to our lovely city as “Hotlanta,” thinking they were cool. In fact, they always act as if they’re “in the know” by saying it. Truth is: we never say it. Ever. Except to make fun of folks who say “Hotlanta.”
Earlier this month, I heard actress, D.C. native and cohost Taraji Henson (left, with Terrence Howard) say it at the Soul Train Awards, airing Nov. 29 on BET and Centric. I mocked her in my blog.
Anyway, Q100’s Bert Show has decided to take this important issue head on. They are asking their listeners and celebrities to tell outsiders not to say that term on penalty of eye rolls and sighs.
The morning show already told part-time Atlantan Janet Jackson to spread the word and she agreed to pass it on to Jermaine Dupri. Jeff Dauler saw Jordan Knight (New Kids on the Block) referencing the city that way in a Tweet and plans to straighten him out Friday when he comes in studio. They hope to get former Atlantan John Mayer to tell his huge Twitter following (2.6 million) to back off.
There's a Facebook page about it, too, if you'd like to join.
Here is a possible origin of the phrase, courtesy of an instrumental tune by the Allman Brothers dubbed "Hot'Lanta."
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