hassle
/ˈhæsəl/
noun
Origin
English
haggle + tussle — Blend of words meaning to bargain or argue and to struggle or scuffle.
Overview
Meaning Now
- A state of annoyance, irritation, or difficulty.
- A heated argument or dispute.
Language path
Middle English → English
Earliest form
hassle
Earliest period
1930s
Journey
The word likely emerged in American slang during the 1930s. It is widely considered a portmanteau—a linguistic blend—of 'haggle' (to dispute terms) and 'tussle' (a vigorous struggle or scuffle), perfectly capturing the sense of both a verbal conflict and a physical or metaphorical struggle.
Evolution
- 1939
hassle
“A dispute or scuffle”
First recorded appearance in American English.
- 1960s
hassle
“General inconvenience or annoyance”
Widened usage to include non-violent situations.
Connections
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Related to hassle
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.