“Hustle and Bustle” Meaning, Origin and Examples

Last updated on October 11, 2024 by Liam Daniel

This reference covers the idiomatic phrase “hustle and bustle” and includes key sections such as the meaning of the phrase, examples of its use, and alternative ways to say it. You will learn how “hustle and bustle” is used in everyday conversations and writing. We also provides detailed information about the origin of the phrase.

Hustle And Bustle Meaning, Origin and Usage

Key Takeaways

  • The phrase “hustle and bustle” means a great amount of movement or work in an area that is typically quite noisy.
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Hustle And Bustle Meaning

“Hustle and bustle” refers to a lot of busy, energetic activity, often in a noisy or chaotic environment. It is commonly used to describe the lively and hectic atmosphere of cities, markets, or any place with constant movement and action.

Origin of this Idiom

The origin of the phrase “hustle and bustle” took its meaning as a phrase from two different words that were combined. The word hustle became an English word in 1684. It was derived from the Dutch word “hutselen” which meant to shake.

The English changed the word to “hustle” and applied the definition to hurry or move along quickly in the year 1812. In 1840, the word became a part of American English also with the same meaning. The word “bustle” was derived in 1350 from the Middle English word “bersten” meaning to act with vigor. The two words were combined to form the idiomatic phrase we see today and the meaning of the phrase.

Usage of “Hustle And Bustle”

  1. In describing a city:
    “I love the hustle and bustle of New York City, where there’s always something happening.”
  2. In reference to a busy place:
    “The market was full of hustle and bustle as shoppers hurried to buy fresh produce.”
  3. In a holiday context:
    “Amidst the holiday hustle and bustle, it’s hard to find time to relax.”
  4. In describing daily life:
    “After a week of hustle and bustle at work, I’m ready for a quiet weekend.”

In each example, “hustle and bustle” refers to a scene of lively, energetic activity.

Related Terms to “Hustle And Bustle”

  • Commotion – Noisy and confused activity or movement
  • Frenzy – Wild or frantic activity
  • Bustling – Full of energetic activity; lively
  • Hubbub – Loud noise and busy activity, often from a crowd
  • Flurry – A sudden burst of activity or movement
  • Rush – A fast, busy movement, often in a short period of time
  • Buzz – Lively and excited activity or chatter
  • Activity – A general state of being busy or engaged in action
  • Scramble – A rushed or disorderly movement
  • To-ing and fro-ing – Continuous back-and-forth movement or busy activity

Other Ways to Say “Hustle And Bustle”

As is the case with all idiomatic phrases, there are many alternative ways to say “hustle and bustle.” Other things you can say instead include:

  • Activity and noise
  • Movement and sound
  • Chaos and clamor
  • Hectic
  • Noise

“Hustle And Bustle” Examples

Example Statements

A statement made by a person being interviewed at a shopping mall during Christmas time.

  • “I love shopping at this time of year. I love that, despite all the hustle and bustle of the holidays, people are always happy and full of cheer.”

A statement made by a celebrity interviewing on the red carpet.

  • “The hustle and bustle of Hollywood is an amazing thing. Sometimes though you just want to get away to a nice quiet place.”

Example Conversations

A conversation between a husband and wife.

  • Husband: This week has been exhausting!
  • Wife: Well stick with it. We only have one more week to go until we leave to go on our cruise.
  • Husband: Oh I am sticking with it and counting down the days. I can’t wait to get away from all the hustle and bustle of work.

A conversation between two friends.

  • Friend 1: What are your plans for the weekend?
  • Friend 2: I think I am going to visit with my grandparents on their farm upstate.
  • Friend 1: That sounds lovely! I am sure you will have a great time.
  • Friend 2: Yes, I love going there from time to time. It is good for me to get away from the hustle and bustle of this big city.

Interesting examples:

  • I love the hustle and bustle of the marketplace.
  • We escaped from the hustle and bustle of the city for the weekend.
  • The hustle and bustle of modern life occurs in the shadow of history.
  • She enjoyed all the hustle and bustle of people and music.
  • It seems that he enjoys the hustle and bustle of life in the big city.
  • The railway station was a scene of hustle and bustle.
  • The hustle and bustle of city life fatigues many people.
  • Life was terribly hectic in the city, she thought, all hustle and bustle.
  • I hate all the hustle and bustle of Saturday shopping.
  • I was tired of the hustle and bustle of New York.
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