macho up
Act more masculine
To macho up is to adopt a tougher, more traditionally masculine demeanor—suppressing vulnerability and projecting strength or aggression: He machoed up before confronting his boss.
The phrase often carries an ironic edge, acknowledging the performance involved in masculine posturing: Time to macho up and ask for her number.
- posturingInsincere behavior for effect
- chest thumpingShowy self-aggrandizement
- confidenceSelf-assurance or trust
- bravadoPretense of fearlessness
- overcompensationExcessive counterbalancing reaction
testosterone · competitiveness · locker room · insecurity · ruggedness · role-playing · stoicism · assertiveness · virility · tough guy · resilience · pride · swagger · big dick energy · fearlessness · intimidation · toughen up · grow a pair
macho upbreak down
Fail mechanically or emotionally
open up · let it out · cry it out · soften up · let it all out
macho upchicken out
Withdraw due to fear
wimp out · back down · cower · lose your nerve · shrink back
macho upsoften up
Reduce resistance gradually
feminize · tone it down · emasculate · unmask
macho, machismo, man, manly, manliness, manhood, masculine, masculinity, male