Macho: meaning, definitions and examples

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

• Refer to the first entry for 'macho'.

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.

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• She found his chauvinistic attitude towards women extremely outdated and off-putting.

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.