macho
macho Lexical Profile
macho Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Showing an aggressive, domineering, or exaggerated pride in traditional masculinity and physical toughness.
"The film critiques the macho culture of the corporate boardroom, where admitting a mistake is seen as a sign of weakness."
• noun
A man who displays an ostentatious or overly assertive sense of masculinity and toughness.
"He tried to play the role of the fearless macho, even when he was clearly nervous about the climb."
Aggressively masculine pride or behavior; machismo.
"Beneath all the bravado and macho, the characters in the novel are deeply vulnerable."
Word Nuance & Usage
In modern English, "macho" frequently carries a mildly disapproving or ironic undertone, suggesting an exaggerated, overbearing, or insecure display of toughness rather than simple masculinity.
• Rhymes for macho
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the early 20th century from Mexican Spanish macho ("male animal" or "strong, virile man"), ultimately derived from Latin masculus, a diminutive of mas ("male").