Hustle or Hussle: Which Spelling is Correct?

When you’re typing away on your laptop, texting a friend, or crafting a professional email, you may encounter words that sound similar but have different spellings. One such pair is “hustle or hussle.” While they seem nearly identical, only one spelling is correct. Let’s dive into the nuances of these two words, exploring their meaning, origins, common confusion, and how to use them correctly in everyday language.

What is the Correct Spelling: Hustle or Hussle?

The correct spelling is hustle. Despite its common misspelling as “hussle,” hustle is the word that holds both formal and informal meanings in the English language. So, if you’ve been wondering whether it’s a mistake to use “hussle,” the answer is yes. “Hussle” is a typo or a misspelling of the word “hustle.”

Meaning of Hustle

The word hustle has several meanings, which depend on the context in which it is used. Below are some common meanings of the word:

1. To work hard – Hustle can refer to the act of working with energy and determination to achieve a goal. For example:”John was determined to make his startup a success, so he had to hustle every day.”
2. To move quickly – It can also mean to hurry or move fast:”She had to hustle to catch the last train home.”
3. A scam or trick – In another context, hustle refers to a scheme or a fraudulent act, especially in urban or street life. For instance:”Beware of the street vendors trying to hustle you into buying fake goods.”
4. A way of making money quickly – “Hustle” can also refer to a side business or a form of entrepreneurial effort:”His hustle as a freelance photographer is paying off.”

Hustle vs Hussle: What’s the Difference?

Now that we’ve established that the correct spelling is hustle, let’s look into hussle and why it’s often confused with the proper spelling.

Hussle Confusion and Common Misspellings

The misspelling “hussle” can be attributed to the influence of slang and informal language, where words are often distorted or altered for phonetic reasons. For example, the famous rapper Nipsey Hussle helped popularize the misspelling. Many fans, and even some linguists, may get confused by how the word sounds versus its traditional form. However, outside of the rapper’s name or artistic references, hussle should be avoided in professional and standard writing.

To summarize: when you’re using the word in any context, stick to hustle, unless you’re referring to something or someone specifically named “Hussle” (such as the rapper or his fan base).

Hustle Origins and Cultural Influences

The origin of hustle can be traced back to the early 1900s, where it was used to describe working with energy and determination. It is a word deeply ingrained in urban life hustle, a phrase that often connotes hard work, persistence, and sometimes a bit of street savvy.

As cities grew and more people moved into urban areas, the term “hustle” became a metaphor for the intense competition of city hustle—working hard, making connections, and trying to succeed in fast-paced environments. Today, it’s still widely used, especially in contexts involving hard work, energy, and determination.

Hustle Synonyms

It’s important to know that hustle has many synonyms that convey the idea of working hard and pushing forward with purpose. Here are a few:

• Grind – Used to describe continuous hard work.
• Struggle – To work tirelessly to overcome challenges.
• Scramble – Often used in the context of trying to succeed under pressure.
• Hustle for success – This phrase combines the idea of both hard work and striving toward a goal.
• Effort – The energy put into an activity.

Here’s a table of hustle synonyms and their meanings:

Synonym	Meaning
Grind	Continuous hard work with no breaks
Struggle	Working hard despite challenges
Scramble	Trying to succeed under pressure
Effort	The amount of energy used to achieve something
Strive	To make a great effort to achieve something

Hustle Definition and Verb/Noun Forms

As we mentioned earlier, hustle is both a verb and a noun. Here’s how you can use it in both forms:

• As a verb: To hustle means to work hard or move quickly.”She’s been hustling to get her project done on time.”
• As a noun: The hustle refers to the effort or the act of hustling.”The hustle of city life can be exhausting, but it’s also exciting.”

How to Use Hustle Correctly in Sentences

Let’s take a look at a few more examples to see how hustle fits into everyday scenarios. We’ll provide emails and other contexts to clarify the meaning.

Example 1: Email to a Boss

Subject: Updates on Project Progress

Dear Mr. Johnson,

I hope this email finds you well. I wanted to update you on the progress of the marketing project. We’ve been working hard and hustling to meet the deadlines. The team is focused and committed to delivering the best results.

I will keep you posted with any new developments and look forward to sharing the final version with you soon.

Best regards,
Sarah Mitchell

In this email, hustling refers to working hard and putting in effort to meet deadlines.

Example 2: Informal Email to a Friend

Subject: Catching Up

Hey Mark,

Hope you’re doing well! I’ve been busy lately with my new side hustle. I’m putting in a lot of effort and energy to make it work, but it’s a lot of fun. The whole process is a grind, but I’m determined to succeed.

Let’s catch up soon!

Cheers,
Alex

Here, hustle refers to a side business or entrepreneurial venture, where hard work and determination are key.

Typos and Spelling Errors in the English Language

The confusion between hustle and hussle isn’t just limited to casual writing. Typos and spelling errors are a common issue in digital communication, and they can easily creep in when you’re typing quickly or relying on autocorrect.

Spelling mistakes often occur due to phonetic similarities between words. However, making sure to double-check your work can help avoid these errors. Tools like spell-checkers or grammar apps can help highlight these mistakes before sending a message or email.

Common Misspellings of Hustle

• Hussle
• Husle
• Hustel

Hustle in Slang and Informal Language

Over the years, hustle has evolved into a popular term in slang, especially in urban areas. It’s used to describe various activities, from working hard at a job to making money through unconventional means. In many instances, hustle represents a sense of grit and street wisdom that’s essential to navigating urban life.

For example, “I’ve got to get up early and hit the streets to hustle for success” can refer to anything from selling goods to networking for opportunities.

Final Thoughts: Hustle or Hussle?

In the end, while the misspelling “hussle” may seem harmless, it’s best to stick to hustle in formal and professional writing. Whether you’re talking about hard work, the energy and determination required to succeed, or urban life hustle, the correct spelling will always be hustle.

So next time you’re typing an email or posting on social media, remember: hustle for success, not hussle for success!