battle-ax

American  

[bat-l-aks] / ˈbæt lˌæks /

Or battle-axe

noun

1. a broadax formerly used as a weapon of war.

2. Slang. a domineering, aggressive, sharp-tempered person, especially a woman.

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Etymology

Origin of battle-ax

1350–1400; Middle English batelax

Explanation

A long-handled weapon with a heavy, sharp blade on one end is a battle-ax. Ancient Roman warriors sometimes carried battle-axes when they rode into combat. Battle-axes evolved from everyday axes used as tools: swinging a heavy blade turns out to be both an effective way to split logs and to fend off a charging enemy. The Vikings, Normans, ancient Chinese warriors, and Napoleonic troops all carried battle-axes. It was once fairly common to demean a forceful older woman by calling her a battle-ax, too. This American slang was inspired by temperance activist Carrie Nation and is now considered offensive and outdated.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

battle-ax

Their chirps are the sound of the old battle-ax saying goodbye to his homeland before the Iron Curtain slams shut.

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 20, 2025

She looked beautiful, serene almost, not a look I normally associate with my battle-ax of a parent.

From Salon ● May 5, 2019

Either way, you’ll burn some calories and stay warm swinging a foam battle-ax at your best friend/mortal enemy goblin.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 26, 2018

“That battle-ax is a replica of one used by Robert the Bruce from Scotland. We’re related on my mother’s side.”

From New York Times ● Aug. 20, 2014

“Your ma should know how hard this is for you. That old battle-ax is ornery and spiteful to boot. Maybe waiting for her tea will teach her a lesson.”

From "Ophie's Ghosts" by Justina Ireland