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/Sounds like "reh" (as in "red") + "boos" (as in "boot") + "KAHR" (as in "car") + "seh" (as in "set")/

Meaning

In Colombia, to hustle and find ways to make ends meet using whatever resources you have, especially when there is no formal job available. Rebuscarse is the backbone of Colombia's informal economy: selling things online, doing odd jobs, getting creative. It describes an attitude of resilience and resourcefulness in the face of hardship.

Examples

While I find a steady job, I'm getting by with sales on social media.

Around here people hustle however they can, there aren't many other options.

Regional synonyms

/Sounds like "reh" (as in "red") + "boos" (as in "boot") + "KAHR" (as in "car") + "seh" (as in "set")/

Meaning

To find creative ways to get money or solve a difficult situation with what you have. This is a hallmark of Latin American resourcefulness.

Examples

Without a steady job, you have to find ways to make ends meet.

You have to hustle by selling empanadas on the corner.

Regional synonyms

Showing 2 definitions, sorted by votes

In Puerto Rico and the Dominican Republic, neighborhood gossip and idle chatter that travels mouth to mouth, always arriving exaggerated to the last person who hears it.