machismo

Definition

Spanglish word for exaggerated masculine pride, aggressive masculinity, blatant virility. The term derives from macho ; it entered American English in the 1940s, referring to a strong, exaggerated sense of masculine pride. In the 1960s, the feminist movement used to word to refer to aggressive, violent masculinity. Rosalie Maggio, The Dictionary of Bias-Free Usage (1991): ' By definition, only men can be macho; there is no parallel for women ("macha" is incorrect). Because "macho" is often used derogatorily abd stereotypically, it may be better to replace it: overly aggressive, defensive, proud, overbearing, overconfident, show-off, arrogant, etc. The word "machismo" has been used of both sexes: Betty Friedan ( The Second Stage ) says: "female machismo... hides the same inadmissible self-hate, weakness, sense of powerlessness as machismo hides in men." '

QUOTE: Zsa Zsa Gabor: ' Macho does not prove mucho.'