jackhammer
C1Technical, Informal
Definition
Meaning
A powerful, pneumatic or electric handheld tool used for breaking up hard surfaces like concrete, rock, or pavement.
Metaphorically, anything characterized by intense, rapid, repetitive, and often jarring force or noise.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Strongly associated with construction, demolition, and public works. Connotes loud noise, vibration, and physical disruption.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'pneumatic drill' is a common synonym, though 'jackhammer' is widely understood. 'Jackhammer' is the dominant term in American English.
Connotations
Identical connotations of noise and force in both dialects.
Frequency
More frequent in American English. In British English, 'pneumatic drill' may be slightly more common in everyday speech, though 'jackhammer' is standard in technical contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[subject] jackhammer [object] (e.g., They jackhammered the concrete.)[subject] jackhammer through [object] (e.g., We need to jackhammer through this foundation.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “jackhammer laugh (a very loud, harsh laugh)”
- “jackhammer heart (a heart pounding violently from fear or exertion)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The project budget must include costs for jackhammer rental and operator labour.
Academic
The study analysed the long-term hearing damage risk for jackhammer operators.
Everyday
I can't hear you over that jackhammer outside!
Technical
The new model features a vibration-dampening system to reduce operator fatigue.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council will need to jackhammer the entire section of old pavement.
American English
- They jackhammered the old sidewalk for three days straight.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The jackhammer is very loud.
- Workmen use a jackhammer on the road.
- The noise from the jackhammer made it hard to concentrate.
- They had to use a jackhammer to break the solid concrete.
- After jackhammering the foundation, the crew discovered an old pipe.
- The incessant jackhammer noise has been a source of complaints from local residents.
- The politician's speech had a jackhammer quality, pummelling the audience with repeated slogans.
- Urban development often proceeds to the relentless soundtrack of jackhammers and pile drivers.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a man named JACK using a giant HAMMER to break the road. JACK + HAMMER = JACKHAMMER.
Conceptual Metaphor
FORCEFUL/REPETITIVE ACTION IS A JACKHAMMER (e.g., 'The headache jackhammered behind my eyes.')
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid a direct calque like "молоток Джека". The correct term is "отбойный молоток".
- In some technical contexts, "пневматический молоток" or "перфоратор" (though a 'perforator' is more often a hammer drill) may be used.
Common Mistakes
- Misspelling as two words: 'jack hammer'.
- Incorrect verb form: 'jackhammering' (correct) vs. 'jackhammerring' (incorrect).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary function of a jackhammer?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is commonly used as a verb meaning to break something up using a jackhammer or to hit or move with a similar forceful, repetitive action.
A jackhammer delivers a powerful, blunt hammering force to break and demolish. A drill (especially a hammer drill) combines rotation with hammering to bore holes into materials.
The meaning is identical, but the synonym 'pneumatic drill' is more common in general UK English, while 'jackhammer' is the default term in US English.
Key hazards include vibration white finger (a nerve injury), hearing damage from extreme noise, musculoskeletal injuries from the tool's weight and recoil, and flying debris.