Etymology Map
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Hustle

2 stages from Middle Dutch to English.

Today it means to push roughly; to hurry; to obtain by forceful action or deceit

Where does the word "hustle" come from? It comes from Middle Dutch husselen, adopted directly into English (1680s).

1
Stage 1 of 2
husselen
Middle Dutch · medieval
"to shake, toss"
related to 'hotsen', to jolt
2
Stage 2 of 2
hustle
English · 1680s
"to shake together; later to push; to con"
first meant to shake coins in a hat for a game of chance; later, american English added 'to hurry' and 'to swindle'
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Read the full story

Hustle’s story begins in Middle Dutch: husselen meant “to shake, toss.” Related to 'hotsen', to jolt. It reached English by 1680s as hustle. First meant to shake coins in a hat for a game of chance; later, american English added 'to hurry' and 'to swindle'. Today, hustle means to push roughly; to hurry; to obtain by forceful action or deceit.