Country Dictionary

Axe

Common stereotype of black vernacular is the pronunciation of the word "ask" as "axe."

"Axe" traces back to the 8th century. The pronunciation derives from the Old English verb "acsian." At the time, the word appeared in two forms, "ascian" and "acsian." By the 10th century, the latter became "axsian," which was shortened to "ax" (or "axe"). It wasn't until the 17th century that "ask" became commonplace, eventually replacing "axe" in literary works. Nonetheless, the pronunciation "axe" remained in dialects across the Caribbean and the American South (including some sections of England). Such usage was not dependent on race or class. Although its written form fell out of usage in the 17th century, the dialectic use of "axe" has survived into the 21st century.

Unfortunately, usage of "axe" has become a lightning rod for racist diatribes against African Americans, often attributing its dialectic usage as a sign of being uncultivated and uncultured. References to "axe" being "ghetto" is nothing more than etymological ignorance, respectability politics and outright racism.

1. "Axe and it shal be giuen you"
2. "Hello sir, may I axe you for directions to the nearest gas station?"

by Hiram Getz September 22, 2015

Axe

A tool that has been used for thousands of years as a weapon and a tool . Made of many materials including flint , stone ,copper ,bronze ,iron and steel . There are many types including hand axe's , 2 handed axes and 3/4's axes that can be used one or two handed .

As a weapon the most common axe's where the one handed ones. Contary to popular belief massive 2 handed double bladed axes' where rarely used in combat ,they where ceremonial weapons . Two headed axes where used though.

Besides spears the sumerians used the axe as a weapon.

by russia_almighty June 21, 2006