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on the hustle
01
earning money, often through small-scale or illicit activities
Slang
What does "on the hustle" mean in street slang?
It is used to describe earning money, often through small scale or illicit activities such as selling goods, running errands, or minor scams, without a formal job. People typically say someone is "on the hustle" when they are always looking for the next way to make cash, whether legal or illegal. The term originated in American street and African American Vernacular English (AAVE) during the 1970s, later popularized through hip hop lyrics and films like "The Hustle," and remains common in discussions about survival economics and side work.
Examples
He's been on the hustle ever since he dropped out of school.
