Literal or historical act of cutting off a head. Can be used figuratively for harsh punishment or removal.
In the old days, criminals were beheaded.
The warlord ordered the decapitation of the enemy general.
firing; dismissal; layoff; downsizing
Colloquial term for job termination, often used in business contexts. Implies a sudden or harsh removal, like 'getting the axe'.
Due to the recession, the company carried out massive layoffs.
He was fired for being late too often.
small decapitation sword
Historical term for a short sword specifically used for beheading. Rare in modern usage outside historical or samurai contexts.
A small decapitation sword from the Edo period is on display at the museum.
首切り is an informal, somewhat blunt term for firing someone, whereas レイオフ is the neutral business term for a temporary, economics-driven layoff.
Standard spelling for all senses; the most common written form.
Variant spelling using 斬る (to kill with a blade), emphasizing the decapitation sense. Less common overall.
Compound of 首 (くび, 'neck') and 切り (きり, 'cutting', from 切る). Literally 'neck-cutting', extended metaphorically to job termination.