Hussle vs. Hustle – Which is Correct?
The correct spelling is hustle. “Hussle” is a common misspelling and should be avoided in all written contexts. To remember, think of “hustle” as a bustling activity, often involving quick movement or diligent effort, without the double ‘s’ in the middle.
Hustle or Hussle – Which is Correct?
When faced with “hussle or hustle,” the definitive answer is hustle. “Hussle” is a frequent misspelling, often arising from phonetic confusion due to the similar sound of the “s” and “ss” combinations. However, in standard English, “hustle” is the only accepted spelling for the verb and noun referring to energetic activity, a struggle for survival, or a type of dance.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hustle | Verb, Noun | To push or jostle; to work energetically and quickly; a busy, energetic activity. | She had to hustle to meet the deadline. |
| Hussle | Incorrect | Misspelling of “hustle.” | Please avoid using “hussle” as it is incorrect. |
How to Use Hustle
The word “hustle” conveys a sense of urgency, energy, or determined effort. It can be used in both formal and informal contexts, though it often carries a slightly colloquial or business-oriented tone, especially when referring to making money or achieving success through hard work. As a verb, it means to move quickly, push, or work diligently. As a noun, it refers to the act of hustling or a busy, energetic activity.
Example 1: You have to hustle if you want to catch the early train.
Example 2: The young entrepreneur understood the importance of the daily hustle to build her business.
Example 3: During peak hours, the barista had to really hustle to keep up with the coffee orders.
What are the different forms of Hustle?
The word “hustle” can take on various forms depending on its grammatical function in a sentence:
- Verb:
- Present: hustle (I hustle), hustles (he hustles)
- Past: hustled (we hustled)
- Present Participle: hustling (they are hustling)
- Past Participle: hustled (he has hustled)
- Noun:
- Singular: hustle (e.g., the daily hustle)
- Plural: hustles (less common, but can refer to multiple instances of hustling)
- Adjective (derived from participle): hustling (e.g., a hustling crowd, a hustling spirit)
Etymology of the word Hustle
The word “hustle” has an interesting linguistic background. It originated from the Dutch word hutselen or husselen, meaning “to shake, to toss, to jumble.” It entered English in the late 17th or early 18th century, initially with a meaning related to pushing or jostling. Over time, its meaning evolved to encompass the sense of energetic movement, industrious activity, and even a deceptive scam, reflecting the varied contexts in which rapid, often forceful, action can occur.
Related Concepts
The confusion between “hustle” and “hussle” highlights a common linguistic phenomenon: phonetic spelling errors. Many misspellings occur because words sound a certain way, leading individuals to spell them as they hear them, rather than according to established orthographic rules. In this case, the single ‘s’ followed by ‘t’ in “hustle” often prompts the incorrect insertion of an extra ‘s’ (hussle) by those who might associate the sharp ‘s’ sound with a double ‘s’ in other words (like “fuss” or “tussle”). Understanding common spelling patterns and their exceptions is key to avoiding such errors.
Similarly, understanding the nuances between words like spelled and spelt can further refine one’s command of English orthography.
Examples from Media and Literature
- “Every day is a new hustle.” – A common motivational phrase, often seen in business and self-help literature.
- “He had to learn the street hustle to survive in the city.” – From a crime novel depicting urban life.
- “The team continued to hustle, even when they were down by twenty points.” – A sports commentary highlighting perseverance.
- “She admired his relentless hustle to achieve his dreams, no matter the obstacles.” – From a biographical account of a successful individual.
- “The bar was a constant hustle of waiters and patrons on a busy Friday night.” – Describing a lively, active scene in a short story.
Hustle Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Rush | Move with urgent haste; a sudden rapid movement. |
| Scramble | Make one’s way quickly or awkwardly, typically by using one’s hands as well as one’s feet. |
| Bustle | Move in an energetic and busy manner. |
| Scamper | Run with quick light steps, especially through fear or excitement. |
| Push | Exert force on (someone or something) in order to move them away from oneself. |
| Strive | Make great efforts to achieve or obtain something. |
| Grind (informal) | Work or study hard and with determination. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Is “hussle” ever an acceptable variant spelling?
No, “hussle” is not an acceptable variant spelling in standard English. It is considered a misspelling of “hustle” and should be avoided in all formal and informal writing.
Question 2: How can I remember the correct spelling of “hustle”?
A good mnemonic is to think of the word “bustle,” which also refers to energetic activity and shares the single ‘s’ before ‘t’. Another way is to remember that the word doesn’t need an extra ‘s’ to convey its energetic meaning.
Question 3: Does “hustle” have negative connotations?
“Hustle” can have both positive and negative connotations. Positively, it implies hard work, ambition, and determination to succeed. Negatively, it can sometimes refer to illicit activities, deceptive practices, or aggressive sales tactics (e.g., a “con artist’s hustle”). The context usually clarifies the intended meaning.
Conclusion
In summary, the correct word is unequivocally hustle. “Hussle” is a common misspelling that should be corrected in all written communication. Understanding the correct spelling and usage of “hustle” allows for clear and effective expression of concepts related to hard work, energetic activity, and determination.
Pro Tip: Always double-check spellings, especially for words that are frequently confused or phonetically tricky. Consistent use of correct grammar and spelling enhances your professional reputation and ensures your message is taken seriously.
