grind
/ɡraɪnd/
Very CommonWorking hard and consistently toward a goal, usually with intensity and focus.
Usually positive and self-motivated. Can imply obsession or unhealthy overwork when used ironically.
Real-world examples4 examples
| # | Example | What it means | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Been on the grind all week, no days off. | The person has been working nonstop for the entire week. | x, 2024 |
| 02 | Respect the grind, she built that business from nothing. | Acknowledging someone's hard work and dedication. | instagram, 2023 |
| 03 | The grind never stops. Posted at 3am still editing videos. | Working late into the night, emphasizing relentless effort. | tiktok, 2024 |
| 04 | I hate the 9-5 grind but the bills won't pay themselves. | Describing monotonous daily work as tedious but necessary. | reddit, 2023 |
Use it when
- Someone is working intensely toward a goal.
- Describing a long period of consistent effort.
- Encouraging someone to keep going despite difficulty.
- Referring to repetitive tasks done to build skill or wealth.
Do not use it when
- Someone is doing the bare minimum at work.
- You mean a one-time burst of effort.Use “locked in” instead.
- You are describing relaxation or taking it easy.
Variations and related forms
Grind vs hustle
grind
Grind emphasizes consistency, repetition, and long-term effort.
VS
hustle
Hustle emphasizes resourcefulness, side income, and working multiple angles.
Origin and context
Originally gaming terminology for repetitive tasks to gain experience or currency. Crossed into mainstream internet culture as a term for any sustained hard work.
- First seen
- 2000s
- Confidence
- medium
Cite this page
Use this stable URL to reference the entry.
https://slang.fyi/grindUpdated: 2026-08-25License: CC BY 4.0