What's a Hot Rod?

What is a hot rod? Like they say in the 2006 SEMA Hot Rod Industry Report (It can be found on the SEMA website or if you can't find it, let me know & I'll be glad to get you one), if you ask 10 different people you'll get 10 different answers.
I guess my cars don't exactly fit any of the definitions. My "cruiser" is a 1974 Caprice convertible (too new) complete with LS6 big block, dual quads, 3000 stall converter and a 3:73-1 rear gear. This makes for a fun, tire smokin', HOT ROD. Of course I get comments like "why" and my and my standard answer is "cause I can".
My other car is a 1980 Malibu (also too new) I built this car for the drag strip! It has a fuel injected 383 cid V8 that started life in a 1990 Corvette. It also has a 4L80E electronic transmission out of a truck and a Ford 9" from a 77 Lincoln Versaille. I burn my own chips for both the engine and the transmission. After taking a lot of teasing about "putting a carb on that thing and make it run" I recently ran a 12.89 @ 104 mph and suddenly my buds quit all the noise! I finally got some respect!
I guess you could call the Malibu a "rat rod", kinda, sorta, cause it's black primer.

I guess the bottom line is if you enjoy your toys who cares if it fits any definition!