/ˈhæmər/
Definition:
In Nigerian Pidgin the word HAMMER means to come into sudden wealth or have an unforeseen financial breakthrough. It is frequently used to describe a dramatic turnaround in one’s financial situation as would arise from winning the lottery or signing a lucrative deal, coming into an enormous inheritance or a successful business venture.
The word itself is common usage throughout Nigeria, having connotations of luck, hustle, and desire for upward mobility . In everyday language, to “HAMMER” implies that one has risen above poverty or struggle. For instance, “That guy HAMMER last week—e don buy Benz!” (That guy came into money last week—he just bought a Mercedes-Benz!)
“HAMMER” in pidgin is in fact, a verb as well as a marker for having arrived. It is aspirational and connected to Nigerian urban street culture and music and youth lifestyle. In particular, “HAMMERing” is commonly cited by musicians, particularly those in the Afrobeat and street-hop genres, as the culmination of one’s personal hustle and financial ambition. It isn’t simply about gaining money but allusions to change and getting out from under a rough life.
Listen to how HAMMER is pronounced in this short video below.
Usage Examples:
- Informal: “As he win that contract, baba don HAMMER!”
- Formal: “Following his successful crypto investment, Mr. Adebayo experienced a significant financial breakthrough.”
- Idiomatic: “If I HAMMER like this, na Canada straight!” (Once I make money, I’m heading to Canada immediately!)
Cultural Context:
Origin:
The Nigerian pidgin word “HAMMER” metaphorically invokes the English word for a tool used to apply force. Heavy hammering, in this context, refers to something that hits or strikes hard and fast and – like a hammer – represents a significant and aggressive change in financial status.
It first came into local urban slang in Nigeria in the early 2000s, among youth, and particularly music circles in Lagos. The word became more relevant as Nigeria’s street economy expanded, and access to wealth via unorthodox means, such as entertainment, betting, and internet businesses, grew.
The use of the word was normalized and popularized by artists like Don Jazzy and Olamide, featured in music lyrics, where “HAMMERing” is the process of finally “making it,” often from rags to riches. This term gradually moved from metaphor to the Nigerian pop cultural lexicon.
In essence, to “HAMMER” is not just a verb, but rather a social marker of the achievement of upward mobility, success, and the cessation of “suffering.” It is a representation of society and hopes for swift financial transition.
Regional Usage:
“HAMMER” is well known throughout Nigeria, particularly in the urban centers of Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, and Benin City. Its use is popular among all ethnic groups Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, etc., and is also integrated into Nigerian pidgin, which serves as a lingua franca in non-official contexts .
This phrase is common on the streets of Lagos, in Danfo buses and in markets. For example: “If I HAMMER this year I go open shop for Lekki.”
Among the Igbo people especially, in the Southeast, where business is prized, the word has become identified with successful business practices. Amongst the youth it is often said; “Na hustle go make you HAMMER.”
Nigerian diasporans have taken the word abroad as well, deploying it on social media, in music, and just in everyday life. It has also become something of a cultural export, invoked in discussions where Nigerian slang is being appreciated or understood.
The versatility and strong imagery of “HAMMER” has entrenched it into Nigerian street language and pop culture.
Use the word “HAMMER” in a sentence and drop it in the comments!