- Bust originally meant to break or separate. Bust in this case was formed by taking a metaphorical approach to this original meaning. Specifically, in order to break something you must use great force. This idea turned into exerting oneself fully, leading to the word bust in this new sense. Speakers made this association and started using bust in this way.
bust
verb zero derivation
To try real hard; display great effort
Etymology : Bust first meant to break or separate. Now also used to mean to try real hard.
Source : “I’m going to bust my butt on this project.” (Rice student 2011)
Last modified: 2 December 2011