Hasslers

Hasslers is the plural form of the noun hassler, used to describe people who harass, nag, or pester others. A hassler may repeatedly solicit, pressure, or intimidate someone, often in ways that are unwanted or intrusive. The term is informal and carries a negative connotation.

Etymology and usage: The word hassler derives from the verb hassle, meaning to bother or harass. The agent noun suffix -er yields “hassler.” The exact origin of hassle is uncertain, but the usage became common in American English in the 20th century. The form hassler is used to refer to a person who performs the action of hassling.

In everyday language, hasslers appear in various contexts: street solicitors who interrupt pedestrians, telemarketers who ring repeatedly, coworkers who bully or pressure others, or online users who persist in unwanted messaging. The term is typically applied to people rather than to the actions themselves and is often used to describe persistent or intrusive behavior.

Context and nuance: Hasslers are described as problematic because their behavior intrudes on others’ autonomy or time. While the word focuses on the个人 or group, it does not imply a formal designation or organization. Related terms include harassment, nagging, pestering, or heckling, which convey overlapping ideas but differ in intensity and context.