mug up: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
LowInformal, chiefly British
Quick answer
What does “mug up” mean?
To study intensively, especially for an exam, often in a short period of time.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To study intensively, especially for an exam, often in a short period of time.
To learn or memorize something quickly, typically by rote, often implying last-minute preparation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Predominantly British; the equivalent American term is 'cram' or 'bone up on'.
Connotations
In British English, it is a standard informal term for studying hard. In American English, it is rarely used and may sound dated or British.
Frequency
Common in UK informal speech, especially among students. Very rare in US English.
Grammar
How to Use “mug up” in a Sentence
[Subject] mugs up [on Object] (for Purpose)[Subject] mugs [Object] upVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “mug up” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- I need to mug up on Tudor history before the test.
- She mugged up the formulas the night before the exam.
American English
- He had to mug up on the company's policies before the interview. (Recognizably British phrasing in US context)
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Possibly used humorously for last-minute preparation for a presentation.
Academic
Informal student usage for exam preparation.
Everyday
Common in UK informal conversation about studying.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “mug up”
- Using 'mug up' without 'on' when referring to a subject (e.g., 'I need to mug up the history' is less common than 'mug up on history').
- Using it in formal writing.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is strictly informal.
The preposition 'on' (e.g., mug up on something).
No, it typically implies short-term, intensive study, often last-minute.
It is informal but not considered strong slang. It's a standard informal term in British English.
To study intensively, especially for an exam, often in a short period of time.
Mug up: in British English it is pronounced /ˌmʌɡ ˈʌp/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌmʌɡ ˈʌp/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “mug up the facts”
- “mug it up”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a student with their face in a MUG of coffee, trying to soak UP knowledge all night.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A LIQUID (to be consumed quickly).
Practice
Quiz
In which variety of English is 'mug up' most commonly used?