mug

[ muhg ]

noun

1. a drinking cup, usually cylindrical in shape, having a handle, and often of a heavy substance, as earthenware.
2. the quantity it holds.
3. Slang.
   1. the face.
   2. the mouth.
   3. an exaggerated facial expression; grimace, as in acting.
   4. a thug, ruffian, or other criminal.
4. British Slang. a gullible person; dupe; fool.

verb (used with object)

, mugged, mug·ging.

1. to assault or menace, especially with the intention of robbery.
2. Slang. to photograph (a person), especially in compliance with an official or legal requirement.

verb (used without object)

, mugged, mug·ging.

1. Slang. to grimace; exaggerate a facial expression, as in acting.

mug

¹

/ mʌɡ /

noun

1. slang.
   a person's face or mouth

   get your ugly mug out of here!

2. slang.
   a grimace
3. slang.
   a gullible person, esp one who is swindled easily
4. a mug's game
   a worthless activity

verb

1. informal.
   tr to attack or rob (someone) violently
2. slang.
   intr to pull faces or overact, esp in front of a camera

mug

²

/ mʌɡ /

noun

1. a drinking vessel with a handle, usually cylindrical and made of earthenware
2. Also calledmugful the quantity held by a mug or its contents

Word History and Origins

Origin of mug¹

First recorded in 1560–70; probably from Scandinavian; compare Swedish mugg, Norwegian, Danish mugge “drinking cup”; sense “face” apparently transferred from cups adorned with grotesque faces; sense “to assault” from earlier pugilistic slang “to strike in the face, fight”

Word History and Origins

Origin of mug¹

C18: perhaps from mug ¹, since drinking vessels were sometimes modelled into the likeness of a face

Origin of mug²

C16: probably from Scandinavian; compare Swedish mugg

Example Sentences

A University of South Florida professor found the first-ever physical evidence of hallucinogens in an Egyptian mug, validating written records and centuries-old myths of ancient Egyptian rituals and practices.

From Science Daily

He appeared relaxed, wrapping a white scarf around his neck and reclining with legs crossed and a hot mug of coffee.

From Salon

He was even mugged while walking to work.

From Los Angeles Times

That was followed by Alpha Male diatribes on book banning, the Black “Little Mermaid,” Trump’s mug shot, ruminations on Hunter Biden’s laptop and swipes at President Biden, whom he calls “Papa Long Hugs.”

From Los Angeles Times

Labour MP Chris Webb has described being mugged in London by a gang who stole his mobile phone.

From BBC

Related Words

• coffee cup
• jug