The Hot Cheeto Girl is an internet aesthetic and stereotype that became a viral meme around 2019–2020, primarily on TikTok. The term defines a caricature of a hyper-feminine, working-class high school girl—who is racially and class-coded as being Latina, Black, or both—known for a specific style, aggressive mannerisms, and a pronounced love for spicy chips like Flamin' Hot Cheetos or Takis.

The stereotype functions as an exercise in classism and cultural appropriation, as non-Latina/Black creators mocked and adopted the aesthetic as a temporary "costume" of rebellion. Since its peak, the trend has evolved into the "Retired Hot Cheeto Girl" trend, where predominantly white creators film their shift back to a "cleaner," non-stereotypical style.

The aesthetic is based on a specific visual uniform that is an exaggerated version of genuine Black and Latina urban styles. The look emphasizes hyper-femininity and accessories that demand attention:

The stereotype is reinforced by specific mannerisms in video content, such as aggressively chewing bubble gum, loud talking, and exaggerated accents (often South American or Mexican).

Although the term "Hot Cheeto Girl" does not explicitly name a race in its definition, the character is heavily coded as a minority woman from an urban or working-class area. Critics point out that the humor derives from mocking visual elements (loudness, bold makeup, long nails) that are often unfairly labeled as "ghetto" or "unprofessional" when worn by Black and Latina women. These women frequently suffer discrimination in professional or academic settings due to the style.

The most criticized aspect of the trend is the ease with which non-Black or Latina white women could adopt the aesthetic as a temporary "bad girl" costume and then easily discard it. The emergence of the "Retired Hot Cheeto Girl" trend—where creators document their return to a more basic, conventionally "whiter" style—is cited as proof of this cultural appropriation, demonstrating that white creators can choose when they want to engage with and discard racialized aesthetics without facing the real-world consequences (discrimination) that the original communities do.

In response to the mockery, many Latina creators have attempted to reclaim and subvert the stereotype. They produce videos that acknowledge the hyper-femininity and loudness but reposition the archetype as kind, caring, loyal, and fiercely protective of those being bullied. This act of reclamation refuses respectability politics and validates the style and personality of the original communities.