Haul ass vs Hurry

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

Haul ass

SlangBeyond 10,000 (less common)

Hurry

Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Most formal: HurryMost common: Hurry
 Haul assHurry
Pronunciation🇬🇧 //hɔːl æs//🇺🇸 //hɔl æs//🇬🇧 /["/ˈhʌri/","/ˈhʌriz/","/ˈhʌrid/","/ˈhʌriɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈhɜːri/","/ˈhɜːriz/","/ˈhɜːrid/","/ˈhɜːriɪŋ/"]/
MeaningTo run or go very fast.To go fast or make someone go fast.
ExampleI had to haul ass to make it to the meeting on time.You need to hurry if you want to catch the bus.
RegisterSlangNeutral
How commonBeyond 10,000 (less common)Top 1,000 (very common)
CEFR level-B1
Part of speechverb
Collocationshaul ass to, haul ass home, haul ass awayhurry up, in a hurry, hurry home, hurry along, hurry to finish
Antonyms-delay, slow, pause
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.Confusing 'hurry' with 'rush' in different contexts., Using 'hurry' without an object when one is needed., Mispronouncing 'hurry' as if it has two syllables.
Usage notesUsed informally among friends or in casual settings. Not appropriate for formal contexts.Use 'hurry' when you need to act quickly. It's suitable for all types of communication but avoid it in very formal contexts.

See it in real clips

Haul ass
Hurry

Frequently asked questions: Haul ass vs Hurry

What's the difference between Haul ass and Hurry?

Haul ass: To run or go very fast. Hurry: To go fast or make someone go fast.

Which is more formal: Haul ass and Hurry?

Hurry is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: Haul ass and Hurry?

Hurry 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. Hurry: You need to hurry if you want to catch the bus.

Can I use Haul ass and Hurry interchangeably?

Not always. Haul ass and Hurry 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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