machismo
UK[məˈtʃɪzməʊ]US[mɑːˈtʃiːzməʊ]
n
strong or aggressive masculine pride, especially when characterized by an exaggerated sense of power or the domination of women.
Etymology
the word 'machismo' entered english from mexican spanish in the mid-20th century. its origin lies in the spanish word 'macho', meaning male or masculine, which itself derives from latin 'masculus' (male, masculine). the suffix '-ismo' comes from latin '-ismus', which was borrowed from greek '-ismos', used to form nouns of action or practice. therefore, the term literally translates to "the quality or practice of masculinity." in its journey into english, it retained its spanish form and specifically came to denote an exaggerated, often domineering, assertion of traditional masculine traits, reflecting cultural observations of specific gender dynamics.
Analysis
this word is a direct loanword from spanish and is not productively segmented using english morphemes. the spanish root is 'macho' (male, masculine) combined with the abstract noun-forming suffix '-ismo' (equivalent to english '-ism').
Examples
the film critiques the toxic machismo prevalent in that society.
his machismo prevented him from showing any vulnerability.
the culture's emphasis on machismo often pressures boys to suppress their emotions.