Hammered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

Pop Culture

• The term features prominently in music and films, often to illustrate the wild and carefree aspects of drinking.
• Comedians frequently use the word to describe humorous situations involving heavy drinking, enhancing its association with laughter and fun.
• Popular songs often reference being 'hammered' as a state of partying, like in tracks by well-known artists from multiple genres.

Psychology

• Drinking excessively can lead to loss of inhibitions, making individuals feel 'hammered' or uninhibited in their actions.
• An increase in alcohol consumption can affect coordination and clarity of thought, mirroring the disorienting feeling expressed by the term.
• Studies show that social environments often escalate drinking levels, contributing to the 'hammered' experience among peers.

Sociolinguistics

• 'Hammered' sees usage in various English-speaking cultures, but with varying degrees of acceptance and formality.
• Swearing and slang terms, like 'hammered,' can create in-groups among peers, showcasing social bonding around shared experiences.
• The term's usage may differ between regions; in some places, people might have alternative euphemisms to describe similar states.

Literature

• The concept of inebriation often appears in literary works as a device to explore human emotions and behavior.
• Famous characters in literature are often portrayed as 'hammered' in moments of crisis or celebration, highlighting the dual nature of alcohol.
• Notable authors have narrated their experiences with drinking, often using terms like 'hammered' to evoke vivid imagery and connection.

Main points about word origin

• The term 'hammered' likely evolved as slang in the 1960s, reflective of the physical impact of drinking too much.
• Historically, the verb 'to hammer' means to hit something hard, which metaphorically relates to the way alcohol can 'hit' a person.
• The expression also connects to crafting and hammering metal, where repeated blows can reshape material, similar to how repeated drinking can alter one’s state.

The word 'hammered' originated from the Old English word 'hamer', which means a tool used for hitting or beating. Over time, the term evolved to also describe being under the influence of alcohol. The adjective form 'hammered' to describe being drunk became popular in colloquial language in the late 20th century.

See also: hammer.

With rank #15,761, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 15758 bully
• 15759 illegible
• 15760 shoal
• 15761 hammered
• 15762 farmed
• 15763 gaping
• 15764 gravelly
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