1. Plural of hatchetman; people hired to carry out violent or brutal tasks, especially for a criminal organization or gang.
Usage: informal; often historical or in crime contexts
2. People who perform harsh criticism or negative reviews, especially in journalism or entertainment.
Usage: informal; figurative

Examples

• The crime boss sent his hatchetmen to intimidate the rival gang.
• The newspaper's hatchetmen tore apart the new film in their reviews.
• During the gang wars, hatchetmen were feared throughout the city.
• The political campaign hired hatchetmen to attack their opponent's record.
• Historical accounts describe the hatchetmen of organized crime syndicates.
• The music critics acted like hatchetmen, destroying the album's reputation.