WordGarden.iomug
A2Pronunciation
UK
- /mˈʌɡ/
US
- /ˈməɡ/
Meanings
Noun
a large cup, usually with a handle, used for hot drinks
a person's face
Verb
to attack and rob someone in a public place
to make exaggerated facial expressions, especially for an audience or camera
Beyond the definition
A mug is most commonly known as a sturdy cup with a handle, perfect for holding hot coffee or tea on a chilly morning. But the word "mug" has other uses too. It is often used informally to refer to a person's face, which is why a police photograph is called a "mugshot."
In British slang, however, you have to be careful how you use it. Calling someone a "mug" does not mean they look grumpy; it means they are foolish or easy to trick. If you believe a "get-rich-quick" scheme, your friends might say you've been a "right mug." The word's origins are not fully clear, but it likely moved from the drinking cup to the face because 17th-century mugs were often decorated with comical human faces.
The word "mug" is a linguistic chameleon, shifting between household objects, physical appearance, and criminal activity. Most people first learn it as a cylindrical container, typically made of ceramic or glass, designed to hold heat and fit comfortably in the hand. Whether it's a souvenir from a vacation or a chipped office favorite, the mug is a staple of comfort.
Beyond the kitchen, "mug" takes on a more colorful, informal life. As a noun, it refers to the face. While this can be neutral, it often implies a face that is particularly expressive or even unattractive. This led to the term "mugging for the camera," which means overacting or making silly faces. However, in the UK and Australia, "mug" carries a sting; it describes a gullible person who is easily exploited. To "play someone for a mug" is to treat them as if they are stupid or naive.
Interestingly, "mug" also functions as a heavy-hitting verb. To "mug" someone is to threaten or use violence to rob them in a public place. This sense likely evolved from the idea of hitting someone in the "mug" (the face) to steal their belongings.
Whether you are sipping from one, pulling faces at a camera, or trying not to be one in a bad deal, "mug" is a versatile term that shows how English words can grow from simple objects into rich social meanings.
Examples
- 1
Drinkware
She poured the coffee into a large blue mug.
- 2
Amount
I drank two mugs of tea while I was studying.
- Patterna mug of + drink
the amount a mug holds
- 3
Keeping warm
He wrapped both hands around his mug to keep warm.
- 4
Crime context
She was mugged outside the station late at night.
- Patternmug someone
attack and rob them in a public place
More examplesFewer examples
- 5
Police photo
The police released a mug shot of the suspect.
- Phrasemug shot
a police photo of someone who has been arrested
- 6
Camera attention
Stop mugging for the camera and just smile normally.
- Phrasemug for the camera
make silly faces or expressions for attention
- 7
Foolish effort
Paying for advice you never use is a mug's game.
- Phrasea mug's game
something foolish that is unlikely to be worth it
See also
Forms and spellings
4 forms open this card.
Main spelling
- mugnounverb
Forms
- mugspluralnounverb
- muggedpast tenseverbnoun
- mugging-ing formverbnoun