A few days ago
Sue B

Why is a sledgehammer so called? What has it to do with sledges?

Why is a sledgehammer so called? What has it to do with sledges?

Top 2 Answers
A few days ago
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Favorite Answer

Words change over time:

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon slecg, from slean to strike.

http://www.allwords.com/word-sledgehammer.html

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A few days ago
Anonymous
It’s a heavy long-handled hammer used to drive stakes or wedges. Sledge, in this sense, has evolved from slay and means strike. Therefore the hammer is used to strike.
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