Pickaxed: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The word comes from the combination of 'pick', meaning to choose or break, and 'axe', a tool for cutting.
• Historically, tools similar to the pickaxe have been used since Roman times for mining.
• It reflects the old English roots where 'pic' relates to piercing or breaking.

Mining and Construction

• In mining, pickaxes were crucial in extracting minerals from the earth during the Gold Rush.
• Modern equipment often replaces pickaxes, but they symbolize hard labor and manual work.
• They are still used for gardening and landscaping to break up tough soil.

Cultural Significance

• Pickaxes are often seen in films and games as a symbol of adventure, like treasure hunting.
• In some cultures, pickaxes represent laborers and the working class, showcasing their role in construction and agriculture.
• Famous imagery includes miners in classic Western movies using pickaxes to dig for gold.

Art and Literature

• The poetic imagery of a pickaxe often represents struggle and the effort required to achieve something valuable.
• In the 1936 novel 'The Grapes of Wrath', it symbolizes the back-breaking work of migrant workers during the Great Depression.
• Artists sometimes use the pickaxe as a motif to depict themes of endurance and survival.

Sports and Recreation

• In rock climbing, a variation of the pickaxe—called an ice pick or ice axe—is critical for climbing icy terrains.
• Some fitness routines incorporate movements that simulate pickaxing for a full-body workout to build strength.