Macho

Macho

Adjective / Noun · /ˈmæ.tʃəʊ/

Definition

(Adjective) exhibiting or characterised by masculine pride, aggression, strength, or bravado in an exaggerated or stereotyped way; showing off toughness; (Noun) a macho man; a male animal, especially a male in a herd; the quality of machismo.

Origin

From Spanish macho (male, manly, virile), from Latin masculus (male). The Spanish word carries a sense of masculine pride and virility that is both cultural virtue and social pressure. The word entered English from Mexican Spanish in the mid-20th century. Machismo — the noun form — denotes the cultural value system that prizes exaggerated masculinity.