🔪 Hatchet Men & Character Assassinations: Unmasking the Villains Behind Nasty Tasks 🔪
Ever met someone who takes out the trash… of people, that is? Welcome to the shadowy world of the “Hatchet Man.”
Hatchet Man: A person who performs nasty tasks for his or her superior, such as firing subordinates, attacking the character of a political opponent, spreading rumors about a competitor, or the like. The term, so used since the 1940s, was applied particularly in politics and journalism. The work performed is also called a “hatchet job.”
Character Assassination: A related term dating from about 1950, character assassination involves damaging someone’s reputation through false accusations or criticisms. Although it was once prevalent, it is less often heard today.
Famous Hatchet Men in Pop Culture
- Politics: “He’ll be the hatchet man . . . just like Nixon was in 1952.” — Newsweek, July 27, 1968
- Movies: The Devil’s Advocate (1997) features Al Pacino as a lawyer who manipulates others to do his dirty work.
- Music: Consider “Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap” by AC/DC—it’s like an anthem for hatchet men!
- Books: The Firm by John Grisham, filled with morally dubious characters willing to perform nasty tasks for power.
Synonyms:
- Enforcer
- Executor
- Hatchet Job Specialist
- Heavy
- Butcher
Antonyms:
- Protector
- Benefactor
- Guardian
- Savior
Related Terms:
- Henchman: A faithful follower or supporter, especially one prepared to engage in crime or dishonest practices.
- Stooge: A person who serves merely to support or assist others, particularly those in a superior position.
- Fall Guy: Someone who takes the blame for the wrongdoings of others, often used as a scapegoat.
Fun Facts and Humor
🤣 “If you need someone to do your dirty work, a hatchet man always has your back—and your knife ready.”
Quotes:
❝ The man who knows when not to draw his sword has learned the art of the true hatchet man. ❞ — Anonymous
❝ Never hire a madman to do a hatchet job. They’ll turn the axe on anyone. ❞ — L. K. Doublecross
Recommended Reads:
- The Hit by David Baldacci
- American Assassin by Vince Flynn
- The Lincoln Lawyer by Michael Connelly
Quiz Time!
© 2023 by Lance N. Lynguist. Published by Cliché Classics. Inspirational Thought: Remember, the best stories often come from the darkest characters. Here’s to finding light in life’s lousy clichés!
