hatchet man

or hatchet·man

noun

1. a professional murderer.
2. a writer or speaker who specializes in defamatory attacks, as on political candidates or public officials.
3. a person whose job it is to execute unpleasant tasks for a superior, as dismissing employees.

hatchet man

noun

1. a person carrying out unpleasant assignments for an employer or superior
2. a hired murderer
3. a severe or malicious critic

Word History and Origins

Origin of hatchet man¹

An Americanism dating back to 1745–55

Example Sentences

It took Dole years to live down his image as a political hatchet man.

From Los Angeles Times

Ever the hatchet man, Harris would attempt to do the same to Gray’s left-wing colleague Terry Cooper in the second half but succeeded only in tearing right through his shorts.

From BBC

This week the New York Times reported on yet another project in the works, this one spearheaded by the odious Stephen Miller and Trump's former bodyman turned hatchet man, John McEntee.

From Salon

In “Warrior,” which begins airing June 29 on Max, Koji plays a Chinese immigrant whose search for his sister forces him into the role of hatchet man for a gang.

From New York Times

He was the chief hatchet man carrying out the dirty orders of a corrupt government.

From Washington Times