get hammered

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "get hammered" is not technically correct in written English.
It is a slang phrase which means to become excessively intoxicated with alcohol. It is not appropriate to use in formal writing. Example: After the party, my friend got so hammered that he had to be taken home in a taxi.

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

(3) We'd get hammered.

The Guardian - Music

They get hammered, of course.

The Guardian - Sport

They're going to get hammered.

The Guardian - Sport

"They'd get hammered," Lawrence says.

The Guardian - Music

So why did Labour get hammered?

The Guardian

The states will really get hammered".

The New York Times

But gosh, don't the buildings get  hammered up quickly?

Independent

The Democrats knew they would get hammered on redistricting.

The New York Times

True, some associates get hammered, act like tourists.

The New York Times - Sports

But right now, without doubt, we're going to get hammered".

The Guardian - Sport

But then you get hammered because you didn't explain everything.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "get hammered" sparingly and be mindful of your audience. It's generally acceptable in casual conversation or informal writing, but avoid it in formal or professional contexts.

Common error

Don't overuse idioms like "get hammered", especially in formal documents. While they add color to your writing, too many can make your work seem unprofessional or unclear. Replace them with more formal alternatives.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "get hammered" typically functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of becoming extremely intoxicated or, less frequently, being soundly defeated. Ludwig AI acknowledges that this phrase is slang and recommends against formal use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the expression "get hammered" is a common idiom with two primary meanings: to become extremely drunk or to be severely defeated. As Ludwig AI points out, it's informal and should be used with caution in formal writing. The primary context where you will encounter this phrase is News & Media. Alternatives include "get drunk" for intoxication and "be soundly defeated" for defeat. Be mindful of your audience and the register of your writing when choosing whether to use this idiom.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

get drunk

Direct synonym focusing on the state of intoxication.

get wasted

Informal synonym emphasizing a loss of control due to intoxication.

get plastered

Informal synonym indicating a high degree of intoxication.

get smashed

Informal synonym suggesting a complete loss of composure due to intoxication.

get blitzed

Informal synonym meaning extremely intoxicated.

get sloshed

Informal synonym denoting a noticeable level of intoxication.

be soundly defeated

Refers to a comprehensive loss or failure in a competition or contest.

suffer a crushing defeat

Emphasizes the severity and demoralizing nature of a loss.

be trounced

Suggests a decisive and overwhelming defeat.

be humiliated

Focuses on the shame and loss of dignity associated with a defeat.

FAQs

What does "get hammered" mean?

The phrase "get hammered" is an idiom that typically means to become very drunk. It can also mean to be severely defeated in a competition or argument.

Is it appropriate to use "get hammered" in formal writing?

No, it's generally not appropriate to use "get hammered" in formal writing. It is considered slang and is more suitable for casual conversation or informal contexts. Use alternatives such as "get drunk", "get wasted", or "be soundly defeated" depending on the intended meaning.

What are some alternative phrases to "get hammered" when referring to intoxication?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "get drunk", "get plastered", "get smashed", or "get sloshed".

What are some alternative phrases to "get hammered" when referring to defeat?

If you mean to be defeated severely, you can use alternatives like "be soundly defeated", "suffer a crushing defeat" or "be trounced".