In recent years, many women have protested the use of the word battle-axe. They say it is sexist.
A comment or action that insults someone of the opposite sex is considered sexist.
But some people say calling a woman a battle-axe may not be an insult.
Almost two thousand years ago, the Goths used battle-axes. The axes were very strong and sharp.
They could cut through the heavy metal armor that Romans wore to protect themselves.
The battle-axe permitted the Goths to win battles against the Romans. The Romans, at the time, were feared fighters.
So a woman who is a battle-axe may be a strong, sharp competitor in business. Many people praise men for being that way.
Sometimes employees believe their company leaders receive too much of the company's earnings.
The employees suspect both men and women bosses of wanting too much money.
