muggins

[ muhg-inz ]

noun

1. a convention in the card game of cribbage in which a player scores points overlooked by an opponent.
2. a game of dominoes, in which any player who can make the sum of two ends of the line equal five or a multiple of five adds the number so made to their score.
3. British Slang. a fool.

muggins

/ ˈmʌɡɪnz /

noun

1. slang.
   1. a simpleton; silly person
   2. a title used humorously to refer to oneself
2. a variation on the game of dominoes
3. a card game

Word History and Origins

Origin of muggins¹

First recorded in 1850–55; probably special use of proper name; muggins def 3 by association with mug ( def 4 )

Word History and Origins

Origin of muggins¹

C19: probably from the surname Muggins

Example Sentences

"We'll march home Siamese fashion or my name is Muggins," said the inspector, between his teeth.

From Project Gutenberg

How well it reads, that 'Private Muggins received a shot in the neck and died without a groan.'

From Project Gutenberg

Serious Muggins had come out with Silver-headed Jack, and had got the title because he never smiled.

From Project Gutenberg

Serious Muggins actually seemed pleased that we were not successful.

From Project Gutenberg

I was working at the windlass, and Serious Muggins was chopping down a tree, a little distance off, for firewood.

From Project Gutenberg