What does machismo mean?
Machismo is a noun for the strong, sometimes rigid belief that men must conform to traditional masculine roles and behaviors. It commonly refers to attitudes associated with toughness, physical dominance, competitiveness, authority, emotional restraint, and the idea that vulnerability is unmanly. The word is often used when discussing gender norms, social pressure on men, family relationships, workplace behavior, or violence. Its critical tone matters: describing something as machismo usually suggests that it is excessive, restrictive, or harmful, rather than simply identifying masculine behavior. Machismo can also refer to a broader cultural pattern rather than an individual's character. Although the word is frequently associated with Spanish-speaking cultures, it is used in English throughout the world. In careful writing, it is best applied to recognized systems of male dominance or learned masculine expectations, not used as a casual synonym for being confident, assertive, or physically strong.
nounThe culturally defined belief that men should display traditionally masculine qualities, such as toughness, authority, aggression, or emotional reserve. The term is commonly used critically to describe excessive or rigid emphasis on traditional male roles.
- Excessive or rigid adherence to traditional beliefs about masculinity and male behavior.
"The film challenges the machismo that has long shaped expectations of men in the community."
"His confidence was sometimes mistaken for machismo by people who expected him to suppress every emotion."
"Researchers examined how machismo affects workplace culture and men's willingness to seek help."
The plural is occasionally used when referring to separate manifestations or instances of machismo, but the singular form is much more common.
"The novel portrays several forms of machismo in a small industrial town."
Machismo turned the idea of being a man into a performance of toughness, power, and emotional distance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does machismo come from?
Machismo comes from Spanish, in which machismo refers to masculinity or the male sex and is associated with the word macho, meaning male or masculine. The term entered widespread English use in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, initially in discussions of Spanish-speaking cultures and later more broadly. Its English meaning developed alongside the modern concept of male chauvinism and now most often conveys criticism of restrictive or exaggerated masculine ideals.
How machismo is actually used
The term is generally critical rather than neutral. It is especially common in discussions of Latin American and other Spanish-speaking cultures, but is used internationally; it should not be treated as applying to every culture or every expression of masculinity.
Easily confused with machismo
Machismo refers to a set of culturally defined masculine attitudes, whereas macho can describe a man or person regarded as physically tough or traditionally masculine.