Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Macho Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ช
Add to dictionary

macho

[หˆmษ‘หtสƒษ™สŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

personality trait

Macho is a term used to describe a man who is aggressively masculine in appearance, behavior, or attitude. It often involves exaggerated displays of strength, toughness, and virility.

Synonyms

machismo, masculine, tough.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
macho

Typically used to describe a man who is overly assertive in a derogatory sense, often displaying aggressive or dominant behaviors. Often negative.

  • His macho attitude can be very off-putting.
  • She's tired of his macho behavior at social gatherings.
masculine

Describes characteristics traditionally associated with men. It can be used in a neutral or positive sense.

  • He has a very masculine style of dressing.
  • The interior design has a masculine feel to it.
machismo

Refers to a strong or aggressive male pride. Often used in contexts discussing cultural or social attitudes towards masculinity. Usually negative.

  • The company's culture is rife with machismo, making it hard for women to advance.
  • Machismo can sometimes prevent men from seeking help when they need it.
tough

Used to describe someone who is strong and resilient, both physically and emotionally. Generally positive.

  • She's a tough competitor, always giving her best.
  • He went through a lot of hardships but remained tough.

Examples of usage

  • He strutted around the gym, showing off his muscles like a macho man.
  • The macho culture in the workplace can make it difficult for men to express vulnerability.
  • She was attracted to his macho confidence, but soon realized it was a facade.
Context #2 | Noun

negative connotation

In some contexts, macho can have a negative connotation, referring to a man who is overly aggressive, domineering, or chauvinistic.

Synonyms

aggressive, chauvinistic, domineering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
macho

See the first entry on 'macho'. This word appears to be listed twice by mistake.

  • Refer to the first entry for 'macho'.
domineering

This term is used to describe someone who asserts their will over others in a bossy, overly controlling manner. It's a negative trait that suggests the person lacks consideration for others' opinions or feelings.

  • Her domineering personality made it difficult for her team to work harmoniously.
  • John's domineering behavior made social gatherings quite uncomfortable.
chauvinistic

This word is typically used to criticize someone displaying excessive or prejudiced loyalty for their own group, gender, or country. It's often used negatively, especially to describe men who believe they are inherently superior to women.

  • His chauvinistic comments during the meeting offended many of his colleagues.
  • She found his chauvinistic attitude towards women extremely outdated and off-putting.
aggressive

This term describes someone who is forceful, ready to attack, or confrontational. It can be used in various contexts, such as describing a person's behavior, actions in sports, or even business tactics. The word often suggests negativity, implying a lack of control or gentleness.

  • His aggressive attitude often causes conflicts at work.
  • The company's aggressive marketing strategy helped them gain a significant market share.

Examples of usage

  • His macho behavior alienated his coworkers and friends.
  • The movie portrayed the villain as a stereotypical macho character.
  • Many women find macho attitudes to be off-putting and outdated.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In various Latin American cultures, 'macho' can signify pride in masculinity, but it can also carry negative connotations of aggression.
  • The 'macho' stereotype has been critiqued in modern gender discussions for promoting toxic masculinity.
  • In movies and pop culture, characters often embody the 'macho' ideal, showcasing physical strength and emotional stoicism.

Psychology

  • 'Macho' behavior can sometimes stem from societal pressures to conform to traditional male roles, creating challenges in emotional expression.
  • Studies suggest that individuals who strongly identify with 'macho' traits may struggle with vulnerability and connection to others.
  • Research shows that embracing a healthy view of masculinity can lead to better mental health outcomes for those who previously identified with a 'macho' persona.

Literature

  • The concept of 'macho' appears often in literature as a theme of masculinity, exploring both its strengths and pitfalls.
  • Writers like Gabriel Garcรญa Mรกrquez have tackled the complexities of 'macho' culture within Latin American societies.
  • In contemporary works, 'macho' characters are sometimes deconstructed to reveal insecurities beneath their tough exteriors.

Pop Culture

  • Iconic figures like The Village People popularized the 'macho' image in songs and performances that celebrate masculinity.
  • Television shows and films often feature 'macho' characters who face challenges that question their toughness and vulnerability.
  • The representation of 'macho' has evolved over the years, influencing fashion, language, and gender discussions in society.

Origin of 'macho'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'macho' originates from Spanish, meaning 'male' or 'manly'.
  • In the 20th century, 'macho' became popular in English to describe a certain strong and tough attitude.
  • The term was fully adopted in the 1970s during the rise of Latino culture representation in the U.S., emphasizing masculine traits.

The term 'macho' originated from Spanish and Portuguese, where it is used to describe masculinity and manliness. In English, it gained popularity in the 20th century, particularly in the context of exaggerated masculine behavior. The concept of macho has evolved over time, with some seeing it as a positive trait while others view it negatively due to its association with aggression and dominance.

See also: machoism.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,799, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.