axeman

The term "axeman" typically refers to a person who wields an axe, often as a tool for labor such as felling trees or splitting wood. In a historical context, axemen were also soldiers who used axes as weapons in combat. This could range from light axes for throwing to heavy, two-handed battle axes.

In popular culture, the term "axeman" can also refer to a criminal who uses an axe as their primary weapon. This has led to the creation of fictional characters and, in some instances, has been associated with real-life serial offenders, often becoming a moniker given by media or law enforcement due to their modus operandi. The imagery of an axeman can evoke a sense of primal violence or danger, making it a recurring motif in horror stories and thrillers. Beyond literal interpretations, the term might be used metaphorically to describe someone who aggressively cuts or removes things, such as an "axeman" at a company who is responsible for layoffs.