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macho up

C1 informal inseparable intransitive
In simple words

To start acting very tough and super manly, sometimes in a way that seems fake or overdone.

Literal meaning: 'Macho' (from Spanish, meaning excessively masculine) + 'up' (to intensify or adopt a quality). The meaning is largely transparent.

Meanings

1 C1 idiomatic informal

To adopt an exaggeratedly tough, masculine persona or attitude, especially in an ostentatious or performative way.

"He tried to macho up in front of his friends, but everyone could tell he was terrified."

Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic informal

To make something appear more rugged, tough, or overtly masculine in its design or presentation.

"The advertising team tried to macho up the product packaging to appeal to a male audience."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Informal and often used ironically or critically to describe exaggerated masculine posturing. Can be self-directed ('I need to macho up') or used to mock someone performing bravado. Less common than 'man up.' May be considered outdated in gender-aware discourse.

Commonly used with

attitude image persona suddenly try to

Forms

Base
macho up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
machos up
he/she/it
Past simple
machoed up
yesterday
Past participle
machoed up
have + pp
-ing form
machoing up
continuous

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Synonyms

man up toughen up butch up act tough swagger

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