mug
B1Neutral for the cup meaning; Informal/Slang for the other meanings.
Definition
Meaning
A large cup with a handle, used for drinking hot beverages.
1. (noun) A person's face. 2. (verb, informal) To attack and rob someone, typically in a public place. 3. (noun, informal) A gullible or easily deceived person.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The 'cup' meaning is the primary and most frequent. The 'face' and 'fool' meanings are informal, often humorous or slightly derogatory. The 'rob' meaning is specific and informal.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
As a verb meaning 'to attack and rob', it is far more common in UK/Australian usage. In US, 'to mug' is understood but 'to get mugged' is more typical than 'to mug someone'. 'Mug' as 'face' is common in both. 'Mug' as a 'gullible person' is common in both.
Connotations
The verb 'to mug' carries a strong criminal connotation. 'Mug' (face) often implies a silly or exaggerated expression (e.g., 'pulling a mug').
Frequency
In the UK, the criminal verb is high-frequency in news/crime contexts. In the US, the cup meaning dominates everyday use.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
mug someone (for something)get muggedbe a mug (to do something)have a mug of somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “mug's game (a foolish or unprofitable activity)”
- “mug shot (police photograph of a face)”
- “be a mug's trick (be a stupid idea)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare; perhaps in marketing for branded merchandise ('company mugs').
Academic
Rare; mostly in historical or material culture studies.
Everyday
Very common for the drinking vessel. Common informal slang for face/person.
Technical
Used in law enforcement ('mug shot').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He was mugged on his way home from the pub.
- Thieves often mug tourists near the station.
American English
- Tourists should be careful not to get mugged in that neighborhood.
- She was mugged for her phone and wallet.
adverb
British English
- 'Mug' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- 'Mug' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- 'Mug' is not typically used as an adjective in standard British English.
American English
- 'Mug' is not typically used as an adjective in standard American English.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I drink my coffee from a big blue mug.
- She gave me a new mug for my birthday.
- He filled his favourite mug with hot chocolate.
- Don't be such a mug, that's an obvious trick!
- The police showed him a mug shot of the suspect.
- It's a mug's game trying to beat the system.
- He was convicted of mugging several elderly women.
- The politician's cheerful mug belied his cynical intentions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a MUGshot: a photo of a criminal's face that might be printed on a MUG.
Conceptual Metaphor
CONTAINER FOR DRINKING IS A FACE (e.g., 'a smiling mug'). GULLIBLE PERSON IS AN EMPTY VESSEL (easily filled with lies).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'маг' (magician). The 'face' meaning is not directly equivalent to 'морда' (which is more derogatory). The verb 'to mug' has no direct single-word Russian equivalent; use 'ограбить (на улице)'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'mug' as a verb in formal writing. Confusing 'mug' (cup) with 'cup' (smaller, often with a saucer). Overusing the slang 'mug' for 'face'.
Practice
Quiz
Which meaning of 'mug' is most informal?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is informal and can be slightly derogatory or humorous, but not deeply offensive. Avoid in formal contexts.
A mug is typically larger, cylindrical, has a handle, and lacks a saucer. A cup is smaller, often part of a set with a saucer.
As an object (the cup), yes. As slang for a person ('fool' or 'face'), it is rarely positive, though can be affectionate in context ('you silly mug').
In modern usage, 'mugging' specifically implies a robbery or theft with the threat or use of force, usually in a public place.
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