Macho
/ˈmɑː.tʃoʊ/noun
Exhibiting traditionally assertive, aggressive, or exaggeratedly masculine traits.
Did you know?In Spanish, macho still commonly means “male,” especially when describing animals; the English sense of exaggerated masculinity developed later.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*méh₂s-
“A reconstructed root associated with being male or masculine.”
Classical Latin
Latin
masculus
“Male; masculine; a diminutive form related to mas, “male.””
Medieval Latin
Latin
masculus
“Male, especially a male animal; the source of the later Romance forms.”
Medieval Spanish
Spanish
macho
“Male, particularly a male animal; developed from Latin masculus through regular sound changes.”
19th Century
English
macho
“Borrowed from Spanish, initially retaining the sense “male” or “masculine.””
20th Century
English
macho
“Characteristically or excessively masculine, often implying toughness, dominance, or aggression.”
Explore more surprising origins