What does macho mean?
Macho describes exaggerated, often conspicuous masculinity, particularly behavior associated with physical toughness, dominance, aggression, or the expectation that a man should suppress vulnerability. As an adjective, it can characterize an attitude, performance, or style; as a noun, it refers especially to a man who displays such traits. The word is frequently critical rather than complimentary: calling someone “macho” usually suggests that their display of toughness is excessive, theatrical, or socially misguided. It can also be used more descriptively in cultural or historical contexts, such as “macho” genres of film or music, where it may refer to a conventional image of forceful masculinity without necessarily expressing the speaker’s judgment. Its Spanish origin reflects a semantic shift from simply “male” or “masculine” to the more specific idea of exaggerated male toughness.
Characterized by exaggerated, traditionally masculine behavior, toughness, or assertiveness.
"The team’s macho style of play left little room for subtlety."
Often derogatory or mocking, especially when applied to conspicuous displays of aggression, dominance, or emotional hardness.
A man who displays exaggerated traditionally masculine traits or who is regarded as excessively tough or domineering.
"The novel’s protagonist is a boastful macho who refuses to acknowledge his vulnerabilities."
The noun is usually negative or ironic and refers to a stereotypically forceful, aggressive, or emotionally closed man.
Used when referring to multiple men characterized as excessively masculine or aggressively tough.
"The film was populated by swaggering machos who seemed to fear emotional intimacy."
The word macho entered English from Spanish, where it originally meant “male,” before acquiring its modern sense of exaggerated masculinity.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does macho come from?
The English word comes from Spanish macho, meaning “male,” and ultimately from the Latin masculus, meaning “male” or “masculine.” Spanish macho developed the broader sense of “masculine” and, later, “characteristically male or vigorous,” which influenced the English adjective and noun. English usage developed further toward the modern sense of exaggerated or performative masculinity, often with a dismissive or critical tone.
Related word forms
How macho is actually used
In contemporary English, macho is often used critically, especially for behavior seen as needlessly aggressive, insensitive, or performatively tough. It can be used neutrally when referring to a genre or cultural image, as in a macho western, but that use may retain some of the word’s associations with exaggerated masculinity.
Easily confused with macho
Masculine describes characteristics traditionally associated with men, while macho more specifically suggests an exaggerated or performative toughness.
Manly is generally complimentary and refers to qualities associated with men, whereas macho often carries a negative or mocking connotation.