hustler
UK: ˈhʌslə | US: ˈhʌslər
n. a person who works energetically and persistently to achieve goals, often with a focus on making money
n. (slang) a con artist or swindler who uses aggressive or deceptive tactics
n. (informal) someone who is highly ambitious and resourceful in pursuing opportunities
The word "hustler" derives from the verb "hustle," which originated in the early 17th century from the Dutch word "husselen," meaning "to shake or toss." By the 19th century, "hustle" evolved to mean "to work energetically" or "to push aggressively." The suffix "-er" transforms it into an agent noun, referring to someone who hustles. Over time, "hustler" gained dual connotations—both positive (hardworking go-getter) and negative (schemer or fraudster)—reflecting the word's dynamic cultural adaptation.
She’s a real hustler, building her business from scratch while working two jobs.
The street hustler convinced tourists to buy fake designer watches.
As a freelance writer, he had to be a hustler to secure enough clients.
The documentary highlights the life of a hustler who turned his struggles into success.
Beware of smooth-talking hustlers offering too-good-to-be-true deals.