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Hustle: meaning, definitions and examples

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hustle

 

[ˈhʌsəl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

hard work

To hustle means to work hard, especially in a competitive or pressured situation. It involves putting in extra effort, being persistent, and staying focused on achieving a goal.

Synonyms

grind, strive, work hard.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hustle

Often used to describe energetic activity, especially when someone is rushing to complete tasks or making an intense effort to earn money. Can sometimes have a slightly negative or dubious connotation if implying questionable means of achieving goals.

  • She's been hustling all day to meet the deadline.
  • He hustled his way to the top in just a few years.
work hard

A general term that simply means putting in a lot of effort and time into tasks or goals. It is straightforward and commonly used in everyday language.

  • He worked hard to get where he is today.
  • She always works hard on her projects.
grind

Refers to persistent and difficult work, usually over a long period. It emphasizes the continuous and strenuous effort required.

  • The daily grind of a 9-to-5 job can be exhausting.
  • He's always grinding to improve his skills.
strive

Implies making a great effort to achieve a particular goal or overcome a challenge. It suggests a focused and often noble endeavor.

  • She strives for excellence in everything she does.
  • They are striving to make a difference in the community.

Examples of usage

  • She hustled to meet the deadline for the project.
  • He hustled to make a name for himself in the music industry.
  • They hustled to succeed despite facing many obstacles.
Context #2 | Noun

informal

As a noun, hustle refers to a busy and energetic activity or movement. It can also mean a fraud or swindle.

Synonyms

activity, bustle, scam.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hustle

Used to describe energetic action or sometimes aggressive or chaotic actions. Can also refer to persuasion or selling aggressively, and in some cases, it has a negative connotation related to trickery or deceit.

  • He had to hustle to get his work done on time.
  • She managed to hustle several people into buying her product.
  • Beware of street vendors who try to hustle you into buying fake goods.
bustle

Describes busy and energetic activity, often with a sense of moving around quickly. It is frequently associated with bustling cities, marketplaces, or lively events.

  • The marketplace was a hive of bustle and excitement.
  • There was a lot of bustle in the office before the big meeting.
  • She enjoyed the hustle and bustle of city life.
activity

Refers to any kind of action or movement, typically neutral and can be used in various contexts, including work, physical exercise, hobbies, or events.

  • The park was full of activity during the festival.
  • Physical activity is important for maintaining good health.
  • The teacher planned fun activities for the children.
scam

Has a strongly negative connotation and is used to describe a fraudulent or deceptive scheme, usually for financial gain.

  • He fell victim to an online scam and lost all his savings.
  • The police warned citizens about the new email scam making the rounds.
  • She realized too late that the job offer was a scam.

Examples of usage

  • The city streets were full of hustle and bustle.
  • He made a living through various hustles.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'hustle' comes from the Dutch word 'hutselen', which means 'to shake' or 'to toss about'.
  • In the late 19th century, 'hustle' started being used in American slang to mean 'to work with energy'.
  • Originally, the term also had negative connotations related to sweat shops and forced labor.

Cultural Significance

  • In recent years, 'hustle culture' has become popular, celebrating hard work and side jobs as a path to success.
  • Many successful entrepreneurs tout the value of a 'hustle mentality', where persistence and dedication are key to success.
  • The phrase 'hustle and grind' often encourages an attitude of relentless pursuit of one’s goals.

Pop Culture

  • Movies like 'The Pursuit of Happyness' showcase the life of someone who hustles to achieve a better future.
  • Hip-hop music frequently emphasizes themes of hustling, where artists often describe their struggles and paths to success.
  • Social media platforms showcase influencers who advocate for a 'hustle hard' ethos, promoting the idea of building one's personal brand.

Psychology

  • The concept of hustle can lead to 'burnout,' where excessive striving negatively affects mental health.
  • Researchers suggest that the hustle mindset can boost self-efficacy but may diminish work-life balance if not managed.
  • Cultivating a healthy hustle involves balancing hard work with self-care to maintain overall well-being.

Literature

  • Hustling is a common theme in literature that explores ambition, such as in 'The Great Gatsby', where characters chase their dreams.
  • Books on business often use 'hustle' to describe the ongoing pursuit of goals in competitive environments.
  • Maya Angelou and other writers have depicted the hustle in their autobiographies, showcasing their struggles and successes.

Translations

Translations of the word "hustle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 correria

🇮🇳 धक्का-मुक्की

🇩🇪 Hektik

🇮🇩 keramaian

🇺🇦 метушня

🇵🇱 krzątanina

🇯🇵 喧騒 (けんそう)

🇫🇷 agitation

🇪🇸 ajetreo

🇹🇷 koşuşturma

🇰🇷 서두름

🇸🇦 ضجيج

🇨🇿 spěch

🇸🇰 ponáhľanie

🇨🇳 喧嚣 (xuānxiāo)

🇸🇮 hitenje

🇮🇸 vafstur

🇰🇿 арпалыс

🇬🇪 ხმაური

🇦🇿 tələsik

🇲🇽 ajetreo

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,901, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.