Hustle or Hussle: Which Spelling is Correct?

In the world of writing, it’s easy to encounter confusion over words that sound the same but are spelled differently or seem like they could be interchangeable. One such pair is “hustle” or “hussle.” Many people, especially in informal communication or social media, use these terms interchangeably. However, when it comes to proper English, one of these is correct, and the other is a common misspelling.

In this article, we’ll explore the difference between “hustle” and “hussle,” why “hustle” is the proper spelling, and provide examples and scenarios to show how the word is used in real-world settings.

The Correct Spelling: Hustle

Let’s get one thing clear: hustle is the correct spelling. It’s a legitimate word with a variety of meanings depending on the context. Whether you’re talking about the act of working hard, moving quickly, or even a strategy for getting something done, hustle always takes the cake.

Definition of Hustle:

• Hustle (verb): To work energetically, move quickly, or engage in activities with vigor and determination. For example, you might hustle to get to work on time or hustle to close a deal before the end of the day.
• Hustle (noun): A busy or energetic movement. For example, “There’s a lot of hustle and bustle at the market.”

What About Hussle?

The word “hussle” is not a standard spelling. It’s a misspelling of “hustle” and, though commonly used in social media and casual conversations, it does not appear in proper dictionaries. Some people mistakenly add an extra “s” for stylistic purposes, or because they believe the double “s” looks more fitting for certain contexts.

Hustle vs. Hussle: Real-Life Scenarios

To further illustrate the difference between “hustle” and “hussle,” let’s look at some real-world examples. Consider the following scenarios:

Scenario 1: Professional Email – Hustle

Let’s imagine you’re sending a quick follow-up email to a colleague about a project deadline.

Subject: Follow-Up on Project Deadline

Hi Sarah,

I hope you’re doing well. I just wanted to remind you that the deadline for the report is this Friday. We’ve got a lot of hustle ahead of us to get everything done, but I’m confident we’ll meet the target if we keep pushing forward.

Please let me know if you need any help or resources to complete your section.

Best,
Jake

In this case, “hustle” works perfectly to convey the idea of working energetically toward a common goal.

Scenario 2: Social Media – Hussle

Now, let’s take a look at a post someone might make on Instagram. They might write:

“Out here on the grind, no breaks, no sleep. Let’s get this #hussle on 💯.”

Here, the user has used “hussle” as a stylized or phonetic variation of “hustle” to fit the casual tone of social media. While it might be common in such contexts, this is still a misspelling and should be avoided in formal writing.

Scenario 3: Informal Text – Hustle

Now, consider a text message you might send to a friend:

“Hey! I’m sorry I’m late; I was hustling to finish a project. I’ll be there in 10!”

Again, “hustling” here conveys the idea of working hard or moving quickly, and it’s correctly spelled.

The Meaning of Hustle

“Hustle” carries a lot of weight, both in professional and personal contexts. It’s often associated with energy, determination, and grinding through tasks that others might avoid. It’s about putting in the effort, sometimes beyond what’s expected, to achieve a goal.

• Hustle (noun): Refers to energetic movement or activity.
  • Example: “The hustle of city life can be overwhelming at times.”
• Hustle (verb): To move quickly or work hard.
  • Example: “She hustled to meet the deadline.”

Hustle can also be used in informal contexts to refer to a way of getting things done—sometimes even using unconventional methods. For example, a “side hustle” is a job or business you pursue in addition to your main job to earn extra income.

When to Use “Hustle” vs. “Hussle”

• Use “Hustle” in all formal writing (emails, reports, professional texts, etc.).
• Avoid “Hussle” unless you’re specifically using it in an informal, casual setting (such as social media or creative writing), and even then, it’s best to use “hustle” to maintain clarity and correctness.

Hustle in Different Contexts

Side Hustle Meaning

In modern language, “side hustle” has become a popular term to describe a secondary job or business that someone works on in addition to their main source of income. People use side hustles to earn extra money, build their personal brand, or explore new career paths.

Example:
Tanya has a full-time job as a software engineer, but her side hustle is running an online store selling handmade jewelry. She enjoys the creative outlet and it helps her save extra money.

Hustle in Business and Sports

In business, “hustle” is often associated with entrepreneurial drive—the ability to work hard, think creatively, and seize opportunities. In sports, it’s about giving 100% effort, no matter what.

Example:
“I love the hustle of the startup world. You have to be aggressive and innovative to succeed.”

In a sports context:
“The hustle on the court was incredible last night—players were diving for every loose ball.”

Exploring “Hustle” in Popular Culture

The term “hustle” has been a part of popular culture for many years. You can find it in music, movies, and even motivational talks. It’s often associated with the grind, the hustle culture, and the constant pursuit of success.

Example:

Imagine an email from a motivational coach, Chris, encouraging someone to keep pushing.

Subject: Stay Focused and Keep Hustling

Hey Sam,

I know things have been tough lately, but remember: hustle is the key to success. The grind is real, but it’ll pay off. Keep working hard, stay focused, and you’ll get to where you want to be.

Keep hustling,
Chris

In this case, Chris uses the word “hustle” to encourage Sam to keep working hard toward his goals.

Related Words and Synonyms for Hustle

Understanding synonyms can provide a more nuanced understanding of the term “hustle.” Here are some related words and their meanings:

• Grind: A daily, sometimes repetitive, effort toward achieving something.
• Push: To make a strong effort.
• Drive: A strong motivation to accomplish something.
• Rush: A quick, sometimes hurried effort.
• Hustling: Engaging in energetic or determined activity to achieve a goal.

The Role of “Hustle” in Various Languages

Hussle in Tagalog

In Tagalog, “hussle” may not have an official meaning, but the concept of hustling (working hard) is well understood. “Hustle” in Filipino culture refers to pushing yourself to achieve success, sometimes in challenging situations.

Hustle Meaning in Hindi

In Hindi, the term “hustle” is often used to describe a struggle or effort toward success. It’s often translated as “Mehnat” or hard work. For example, someone might say: “Is project mein hustle bohot hai,” which means “There is a lot of hard work in this project.”

Popular Online Debates: Hustle or Hussle on Reddit

Reddit discussions often cover topics like “hustle vs. hussle,” with users expressing opinions about the use of “hussle” in casual or meme contexts. However, most language experts and Reddit commenters agree that “hustle” is the correct spelling.

Hustle or Hussle: Oxford Dictionary

According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “hustle” is the correct and standard spelling. There is no entry for “hussle,” reinforcing the idea that it is a misstep or misspelling.

20 Key Points on Hustle vs. Hussle

1. “Hustle” is the correct spelling.
2. “Hussle” is a common misspelling of “hustle.”
3. Hustle means working energetically, moving quickly, or striving toward a goal.
4. You can hustle at work, in sports, or during personal projects.
5. “Hustle” is used in both formal and informal writing.
6. The word “hustle” is often associated with hard work and dedication.
7. “Hussle” appears as a stylized version on social media or in casual texts, but it’s not grammatically correct.
8. “Hustle” can be a noun and a verb.
9. “Hustle” is used in business to describe an energetic approach to achieving success (e.g., side hustle).
10. In sports, athletes might be encouraged to “hustle” to perform better.
11. “Hustle” can refer to an action or a way of life—like hustling to meet a deadline.
12. “Hussle” can be seen as part of informal slang in pop culture, but it’s not universally recognized.
13. Hustling in a professional environment often means working long hours or pushing for results.
14. The hustle is a popular term in modern work culture, especially for entrepreneurs.
15. “Hussle” may appear in lyrics or pop culture but isn’t proper English.
16. Always choose “hustle” in academic writing or when clarity is important.
17. In informal contexts, it’s acceptable to see “hussle” but it’s still incorrect.
18. The hustle refers to being persistent and working hard toward achieving a goal.
19. The word “hustle” can also describe someone’s ability to get things done efficiently.
20. Using “hussle” in professional writing or formal contexts is discouraged.

Conclusion: Stick with Hustle

When it comes to the spelling of “hustle” vs “hussle,” always opt for hustle. The latter is simply an incorrect spelling that is often used in casual contexts or as a stylistic choice, but it doesn’t hold up in standard English writing. Whether you’re hustling to finish a project, working hard on a side hustle, or just moving quickly through your day, hustle is the word that captures the energy and dedication you’re putting forth.

Remember, the next time you’re drafting an email, crafting a report, or even writing a social media post, the correct spelling of the word is hustle—keep it sharp, keep it professional.