Dictionary definitions:

 

Spanish-language dictionaries do not provide a definition
of the term. Rather, they limit the etymological explanation of the word macho, to "the male of the species." This indicates to me that the psychological, sociological, or cultural significance of machismo is not recognized in a canonical way.

English-language dictionaries, on the other hand, have adopted the term as a cultural explanation of macho behavior but they describe it merely as "overly
aggressive and domineering," in that manner ignoring the aspects of machismo that could be interpreted as necessary and perhaps even positive (pride, honor, integrity).


 The Encyclopedia Britannica definition:
ma.chis.mo n [Sp, fr. macho] (1948) 1: a strong sense of masculine pride: exaggerated masculinity 2: an exaggerated or exhilarating sense of power or strength

Other aspects of machismo that need to be considered must go back historically to the Spanish code of honor, the concept of name and family integrity. In addition, one can observe macho behavior as a result of the caste system in Colonial Latin America, with the creation of the mestizo.

 

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