Hustling: meaning, definitions and examples

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hustling

 

[ˈhʌslɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

working hard

Hustling refers to the act of working energetically and industriously, often with the implication of striving to achieve success through hard work and perseverance. It can also denote engaging in various activities or schemes to earn money or achieve goals, sometimes in a somewhat aggressive or entrepreneurial manner. The term is often associated with the hustle culture, where individuals prioritize their ambitions and income generation over leisure. Hustling can also indicate juggling multiple jobs or side gigs to reach one's financial or professional goals.

Synonyms

endeavoring, striving, toiling, working hard.

Examples of usage

  • She's been hustling to build her startup.
  • He’s hustling on the streets selling handmade crafts.
  • They were hustling to meet their sales target.
  • I'm hustling every day to improve my skills.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'hustle' comes from the Dutch word 'husselen', meaning to shake or toss, highlighting fast movement.
  • Originally used in the 19th century, 'hustling' referred to quick, energetic movements or activities.
  • In the 1970s, it became popular in urban culture, referring to making a living through various means, sometimes in informal ways.

Pop Culture

  • In hip-hop music and culture, 'hustling' represents hard work, ambition, and overcoming challenges to achieve success.
  • Popular films like 'The Pursuit of Happyness' showcase the hustle of individuals aspiring for a better life, emphasizing perseverance.
  • The term has been popularized in various TV shows that depict characters striving for success in competitive environments.

Economics

  • 'Hustling' reflects the gig economy, where individuals take on multiple short-term jobs to boost income and flexibility.
  • The rise of technology and the internet has enabled new forms of hustling, like freelancing and online entrepreneurship.
  • Many high earners today attribute their financial success to a hustling mentality, often juggling various income streams.

Psychology

  • The hustle culture can lead to burnout, where individuals work excessively, neglecting self-care in pursuit of goals.
  • Psychological studies show that the hustle mentality can foster resilience but also stress, as people chase success consistently.
  • Social media can amplify the hustle narrative, making people feel pressure to constantly achieve and share their progress.

History

  • During the Great Depression, many people resorted to hustling for survival, finding creative ways to make money.
  • Historic figures like Benjamin Franklin embodied the hustle, famously writing about hard work and self-improvement.
  • In the context of street culture, hustling has evolved as a response to economic disadvantage, fostering community support systems.

Translations

Translations of the word "hustling" in other languages:

🇵🇹 correndo

🇮🇳 कड़ी मेहनत करना

🇩🇪 hustlen

🇮🇩 berjuang

🇺🇦 працювати важко

🇵🇱 harować

🇯🇵 働く

🇫🇷 travailler dur

🇪🇸 trabajar duro

🇹🇷 çalışmak

🇰🇷 열심히 일하다

🇸🇦 العمل الجاد

🇨🇿 dřít

🇸🇰 usilovať

🇨🇳 努力工作

🇸🇮 trdo delati

🇮🇸 vinna hart

🇰🇿 еңбек ету

🇬🇪 შრომა

🇦🇿 çalışmaq

🇲🇽 trabajar duro

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #26,602, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.