machismo

noun

ma·​chis·​mo mä-ˈchēz-(ˌ)mō 

mə-,

-ˈkēz- 

-ˈkiz-,

-ˈchiz-

1

: a strong sense of masculine pride : an exaggerated masculinity

athletes displaying their machismo

2

: an exaggerated or exhilarating sense of power or strength

the administration's machismo in pushing for a new treaty

Synonyms

• macho
• manhood
• manliness
• masculinity
• virility

Examples of machismo in a Sentence

a culture that prizes machismo and has rigid gender roles

Recent Examples on the Web

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo, Mexico’s new president-elect, has broken the ultimate glass ceiling in a country more commonly known for its machismo. —Whitney Eulich, The Christian Science Monitor, 3 June 2024

That would be a first for Mexico, a traditionally conservative country known for machismo and high rates of violence against women. —Patrick J. McDonnell, Los Angeles Times, 1 June 2024

This type of machismo usually comes from a quarterback, but Lamar Jackson doesn’t exude that type of confidence. —Mike Preston, Baltimore Sun, 5 Mar. 2024

But instead, screenwriter Gregory Poirier’s tribute to an earlier era’s taciturn machismo is more muddled and ludicrous than fleet and clever. —Robert Abele, Los Angeles Times, 15 Mar. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Spanish, from macho

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined at sense 1