Haul ass vs Rush

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Haul ass

SlangBeyond 10,000 (less common)

Rush

Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Most formal: RushMost common: Rush
 Haul assRush
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //hɔːl æs//🇺🇸 //hɔl æs//🇬🇧 /["/rʌʃ/","/ˈrʌʃɪz/","/rʌʃt/","/ˈrʌʃɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rʌʃ/","/ˈrʌʃɪz/","/rʌʃt/","/ˈrʌʃɪŋ/"]/
MeaningTo run or go very fast.to move quickly or hurry
ExampleI had to haul ass to make it to the meeting on time.I had to rush to the station to catch my train before it left.
RegisterSlangNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-B2
Part of speechverb
Collocationshaul ass to, haul ass home, haul ass awayheadlong, madly, quickly, along, from, into, come rushing, go rushing, rush to somebody’s rescue, headlong, madly, quickly, along, from, into, come rushing, go rushing, rush to somebody’s rescue
Antonyms-slow, dawdle, linger
Common mistakesConfused with 'haul arse', which is similar but less common., Using in formal texts or speeches., Not using it in the right context of urgency.Incorrectly using 'rush' as a noun without an article when needed., Using 'rushed' as a present tense instead of the correct form., Confusing 'rush' with 'push' in the context of moving quickly.
Usage notesUsed informally among friends or in casual settings. Not appropriate for formal contexts.Commonly used when talking about a need to hurry, like catching a bus. Avoid in very formal situations.

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Haul ass

Frequently asked questions: Haul ass vs Rush

What's the difference between Haul ass and Rush?

Haul ass: To run or go very fast. Rush: to move quickly or hurry

Which is more formal: Haul ass and Rush?

Rush is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Haul ass and Rush?

Rush is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

Haul ass: I had to haul ass to make it to the meeting on time. Rush: I had to rush to the station to catch my train before it left.

Can I use Haul ass and Rush interchangeably?

Not always. Haul ass and Rush are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.

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