To move quickly and energetically, or to work hard to achieve something, sometimes in a forceful or aggressive way.
From Dutch 'hutselen' meaning to shake or toss, which entered English in the 1600s. Originally described physical jostling, but evolved to mean vigorous effort or aggressive pushing.
The word captures something interesting about American culture—what started as 'being pushed around' transformed into a virtue. Now 'hustle culture' is everywhere, from sports to startups, showing how language reflects our values shifting.
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