The phrase "hustle up" is commonly used to encourage someone to move quickly or hurry up. Phonetically, the word "hustle" is spelled /ˈhʌsəl/, with the letter "h" being pronounced at the beginning with a brief exhalation of air. The "u" is pronounced as a short "uh" sound, while the "s" is pronounced with a hissing "sss" sound. The "t" and "l" are pronounced with a slight pause in between the two sounds, and the emphasis is placed on the first syllable "hus-" when saying the word aloud.
"Hustle up" is a slang phrase commonly used in informal speech, especially in American English. It carries a sense of urgency and encourages prompt action or acceleration towards a specific goal or objective. The term "hustle" denotes energetic activity, quick movement, or fast-paced endeavor. When combined with "up," it implies a need to increase speed or intensity to expedite a particular task or situation.
The phrase "hustle up" is typically employed as a command or request, urging someone to hurry or move more swiftly. It can be used in various contexts, such as encouraging team members to complete a project or urging individuals to expedite their actions to meet a deadline. It can also be utilized in sports activities, directing players to increase their speed or effort during a game. Additionally, "hustle up" may be heard in military or drill settings to prompt soldiers or trainees to move quickly and efficiently.
Overall, "hustle up" embodies a sense of urgency, demanding immediate action. It conveys the importance of expediting the task at hand or accomplishing a goal promptly. This informal phrase has gained popularity due to its brevity and directness, making it a common part of everyday conversational language and popular culture.
The expression "hustle up" originated in American English and its etymology is influenced by various factors.
The word "hustle" derives from Dutch and German roots. In Dutch, "husselen" means "to shake" or "jostle", while in German, "hutschen" means "to move quickly". Both these words eventually found their way into English slang during the 18th and 19th centuries. "Hustle" initially referred to a commotion or hurried activity.
The addition of "up" to "hustle" in the phrase "hustle up" likely comes from the idea of intensifying the action. Similar to phrases like "buckle up" or "speed up", the "up" emphasizes a sense of urgency or quickness. This usage of "up" to intensify a verb is common in colloquial English.