Why did BUsh Call them the Axis of Evil?

Last time I checked the reason Germany Italy et. al wer called the Axis of evil was because Berlin and Rome lied on the same Axis. Also If I remember correctly Japan was on the same latitude as Tokyo, I might be wrong on this one. I digress, In order to be part of the Axis of evil wouldn't you need to lie on the same axis or at least 2 of the three. Couldn't they just be called the Unholy Trio or the fearsome .