ENGLISH
REFERENCE

macho

adj.
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈmɑtʃoʊ// UK //mˈætʃəʊ// ma·cho Informal

adj. behaving in a way that shows off traditional male qualities like strength and toughness. It is often used to describe men who try too hard to look powerful or aggressive.

adj. characterised by an exaggerated display of traditional masculine traits, such as physical strength, dominance, and aggression. Often carries a pejorative nuance, implying that the behavior is performative or excessive.


SIMPLE

He has a very macho attitude toward sports.

CONTEXTUAL

The film was criticized for its macho dialogue and unnecessary focus on violent confrontations.

COMPLEX

In many corporate environments, the old macho culture of working extreme hours is slowly being replaced by a focus on mental well-being and work-life balance.

Synonyms
Origin

Borrowed from Spanish macho (“male”), from Latin masculus. Doublet of male.

Usage

Often used predicatively after linking verbs like 'seem' or 'act', or attributively before nouns like 'culture', 'image', or 'attitude'.

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