pack heat

English

Verb

to pack heat (third-person singular simple present packs heat, present participle packing heat, simple past and past participle packed heat)

1. (idiomatic) To carry one or more handguns on one's person, especially in a concealed manner.
   • 1995, David Van Biema, "Peekaboo: The New Detector," Time, 27 Mar.:

     If the current trend toward relaxation of concealed-weapons laws continues, soon the most important gun restrictions may involve destinations: the states will probably allow various venues—public gathering places, offices, stores—to ban firearms on the premises. The only problem will be how to know who is packing heat.

Usage notes

• Usually used in the present participial form: packing heat.