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machismo Definition

ma·chismo (mä c̸hēz′mō, -c̸hēs′-, -c̸hiz′-)

noun

overly assertive or exaggerated masculinity, esp. as characterized by a show of virility, domination of women, etc.

Etymology: Sp < macho (see macho) + -ismo, -ism

machismo Usage Examples

Adjective modifier

  • male: Macho men Male machismo has much to answer for.
  • political: Acts of political machismo could herald serious danger during the electioneering period.
  • heterosexual: The masculine image of contemporary queer fashion thus embodies the eroticism of maleness without the violent menace of heterosexual machismo.
  • western: That causing religious offense should be regarded a sign of western machismo is obscene.
  • certain: There's a certain machismo about who can take the most calls.

Modifies a noun

  • male: Condoms, it is well recognized, are not popular with machismo males in Africa.
  • culture: There are some interesting themes working here, especially the whole issue of denial in such a machismo culture.
machismo Quotes

Those who believe machismo reeks of violence alone choose to forget it once stood for honor as well.

—White, Edmund