slang The message or information (often gossip) that has been or is about to be communicated or revealed is particularly provocative, scandalous, or revelatory. Oh, the tea is piping hot—you'll never believe what happened last night at Blair's party! A: "So we're supposedly working to dismantle rape culture and toxic masculinity, but that doesn't make me less afraid to walk alone at night." B: "Hey folks, the tea is piping hot here."