macho
Macho (adj) means showing an exaggerated, often aggressive sense of masculinity. Example: “He puts on a macho act around his friends but he's actually quite gentle.”
How to use macho
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribes a man acting tough and aggressively masculine, often to the point of showing off.
Usually has a slightly negative or mocking tone in English, unlike a simple compliment about masculinity.
Word forms
more macho comparative, machos plural, most macho superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
He puts on a _____ act around his friends but he's actually quite gentle.
Etymology
Borrowed from Spanish macho ("male"), from Latin masculus — the same root as "male."
Rhymes for macho
See all rhymes for macho →Frequently asked questions
What does “macho” mean?
The word “macho” means showing an exaggerated, often aggressive sense of masculinity. In plain terms, describes a man acting tough and aggressively masculine, often to the point of showing off.
How do you pronounce “macho”?
“Macho” is pronounced MACH-oh (/ˈmɑ.t͡ʃoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “macho” in a sentence?
Here is “macho” used in a sentence: “He puts on a macho act around his friends but he's actually quite gentle.”
What part of speech is “macho”?
Depending on how it is used, “macho” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “macho” come from?
The word “macho” comes from Latin. Borrowed from Spanish macho ("male"), from Latin masculus — the same root as "male.".
Is “macho” a common word?
“Macho” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “macho” have?
“Macho” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: showing an exaggerated, often aggressive sense of masculinity.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include macho: