macho
/ˈmɑːtʃoʊ/
ADJECTIVE
1. Displaying exaggerated masculine characteristics
Characterized by an exaggerated or showy display of traditionally masculine qualities, such as toughness, strength, dominance, aggression, confidence, and bravado.
1.1. Toughness and exaggerated masculinity
Describes someone or something that displays traditionally masculine traits in an especially forceful, assertive, or exaggerated way, emphasizing toughness, physical strength, and masculine pride.
Synonyms
- hypermasculine
- ultramasculine
- masculine
- manly
- manful
- manlike
- virile
- hairy-chested
- butch
Antonyms
- effeminate
- feminine
- unmanly
- unmasculine
- womanly
- womanlike
- androgynous
- sissified
Examples
- The action hero in the movie exuded a tough and macho demeanor.
- The culture of the sports team fostered a competitive and macho atmosphere.
- In some traditional societies, there is an expectation for men to adhere to a strict code of macho behavior.
Related Words
1.2. Aggressive confidence and masculine bravado
Refers to an outwardly confident, cocky, or domineering attitude that emphasizes toughness, fearlessness, and a willingness to assert dominance over others.
Synonyms
- aggressive
- cocky
- hypermasculine
- butch
Antonyms
- cowardly
- shy
- timid
- weak
Examples
- The boxer's confidence and swagger made him appear exceptionally macho in the ring.
- Despite the challenging situation, he maintained a calm and macho exterior.
- His macho attitude made it difficult for him to admit that he needed help.
Related Words
- bravado
- swagger
- dominance
- assertiveness
- toughness
- fierceness
- self-confidence
- machismo
NOUN
2. A person who displays exaggerated masculine characteristics
A person who exhibits traditionally masculine traits in an exaggerated or conspicuous manner, particularly toughness, dominance, fierceness, and bravado.
2.1. Macho men and masculine personalities
Refers to a person, typically a man, who strongly displays masculine pride, toughness, physical strength, or an aggressively confident personality.
Synonyms
- manly man
- he-man
- tough guy
Antonyms
- sissy
- coward
- weakling
Examples
- The film portrayed him as a macho who never backed down from a challenge.
- He cultivated an image of a macho to impress his colleagues.
Related Words
NOUN
3. A striped mullet fish
A regional or historical name for the striped mullet, a species of fish scientifically known as Mugil cephalus.
3.1. Fish species and zoological classification
Refers to the striped mullet, a coastal fish found in marine, brackish, and freshwater environments, particularly in regional California terminology.
Synonyms
- striped mullet
- Mugil cephalus
Examples
- The local fishing guide identified the catch as a macho, a regional name for the striped mullet.
Related Words
- mullet
- grey mullet
- coastal fish
- marine fish
- fish species
- Mugilidae
NOUN
4. A male llama
A male member of the llama species, a domesticated South American camelid.
4.1. Llama sex and animal classification
Refers specifically to a male llama, distinguishing it from a female llama in zoological or livestock terminology.
Synonyms
- male llama
Antonyms
- female llama
Examples
- The rancher identified the young macho among the llamas in the herd.
Related Words
- llama
- camelid
- South American camelid
- livestock
- guanaco
- alpaca