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, mugging 

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, mugging 

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 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 called: mugful. 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

Along with the customary cardboard cut-outs and decorative gift mugs, a special exhibition stand is displaying a selection of the former Conservative prime minister's most famous outfits from her 11 years in office.

From BBC

And plenty of themed merchandise — ranging from the typical stickers, hats and mugs to ultra-specific items like bath salts with branding from Lorelai’s inn — was available for purchase.

From Los Angeles Times

It was an observation some within Labour are weary of hearing about again, recalling the fuss a decade ago when Labour had mugs printed with the promise of "controls on immigration".

From BBC

Recurring motifs, including a trio of nondescript dogs that several workshop attendees adopted for their own mugs, adorned various Stringer originals strewn about Backhouse.

From Los Angeles Times

The magic mugs reveal the performance slot number for each country.

From BBC

Related Words

• coffee cup 
• jug