A hustler is a term with dual meanings, commonly referring to either a person who employs dishonest methods to obtain money or an expert game player who seeks out less experienced individuals to win money from them.
Understanding the Term "Hustler"
The word "hustler" carries different connotations depending on the context, often implying a shrewd, resourceful, and sometimes deceptive individual.
The Swindler Aspect
In its slang definition, a hustler is:
- A person who uses fraudulent or unscrupulous methods to acquire money.
- Essentially, they are a swindler, someone who cheats or defrauds others through various means. This often involves schemes or tricks designed to exploit others for financial gain.
The Game Player Aspect
Informally, a hustler is also recognized as:
- An expert gambler or game player who specifically targets challengers, particularly unsuspecting amateurs.
- Their goal is to win money from these less skilled opponents by leveraging their superior ability and knowledge of the game. This can be seen in various competitive activities where skill and strategy are paramount.
Example:
A classic illustration of this informal meaning is a "pool hustler," someone highly skilled at playing pool who makes a living by challenging and defeating amateur players. For instance, "He earned his living as a pool hustler."
