mug up

verb

1. slang.
   adverb to study (a subject) hard, esp for an exam

Word History and Origins

Origin of mug up¹

C19: of unknown origin

Example Sentences

They've given us the whole of "Ivanhoe" to mug up for a holiday task.

From Project Gutenberg

For Macdonald was essentially a scholar; he did not merely mug up notes by German commentators an hour before the lesson.

From Project Gutenberg

Twice he took the mug up and put it down agin without starting and asked 'em wot the little game was, but they on'y laughed.

From Project Gutenberg

He did his mug up in tissue paper and cotton batting and kept it locked up in his third bureau drawer.

From Project Gutenberg

Most of the men lighted a pipe, and one or two took a 'mug-up' from the coffee-kettle.

From Project Gutenberg