Hassle

Hassle is a term used to describe trouble, inconvenience, or bother, typically arising from a process, event, or interaction. As a noun, it refers to a situation that is troublesome or tedious, such as waiting in line, dealing with paperwork, or coordinating schedules. As a verb, to hassle means to harass, pester, or repeatedly bother someone, or to push them to comply or take action.

The etymology of hassle is uncertain, but the word entered broad English usage in the 20th century, especially in American slang. It has since become common in informal speech and writing. In more formal contexts, related terms such as inconvenience, trouble, or complication may be preferred, while “harassment” is used for persistent, unwanted pressure that crosses into intimidation.

Common usage and sense

- Everyday life: “The commute was a hassle, but I made it on time.”

- Consumer experiences: “The return process was a hassle, but the store finally refunded me.”

- As a verb: “They were hassling me about the missing receipt.”

- Adjective form: hassle-free, meaning without trouble or difficulty.

Hassle can range from minor annoyances to significant obstacles. It is generally informal, with “hassle-free” serving as a positive contrast. The term is often employed to emphasize friction or extra effort rather than severity.