mug
0 antonyms and opposites of mug, grouped by meaning.
Noun — A large cup with a handle, used for hot drinks, without a saucer.
How to use mug
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
"Mug" meaning "face" or "gullible person" is informal British slang.
Etymology
First recorded in 16th-century Scots and northern English dialect meaning "earthenware pot," of uncertain origin, possibly linked to Scandinavian or Low German words for a drinking vessel.
Full origin of mug →Frequently asked questions
What does “mug” mean?
The word “mug” means a large cup with a handle, used for hot drinks, without a saucer. In plain terms, a cup with a handle — or, informally, a face, a gullible person, or (as a verb) to rob someone violently.
How do you pronounce “mug”?
“Mug” is pronounced muhg (/mʌɡ/ in IPA).
How do you use “mug” in a sentence?
Here is “mug” used in a sentence: “He poured his coffee into a chipped mug.”
What part of speech is “mug”?
Depending on how it is used, “mug” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “mug” come from?
The word “mug” dates back to around 1500 and comes from German. First recorded in 16th-century Scots and northern English dialect meaning "earthenware pot," of uncertain origin, possibly linked to Scandinavian or Low German words for a drinking vessel.
Is “mug” a common word?
“Mug” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “mug” have?
“Mug” has 5 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a large cup with a handle, used for hot drinks, without a saucer.
What is the difference between a mug and a cup?
A mug is a large drinking vessel with a handle used for hot drinks and is typically used without a saucer, whereas a cup is usually smaller and often paired with a saucer in formal settings. Mugs are generally considered more casual and everyday than cups.
What does it mean to mug someone versus mug for the camera?
To mug someone means to attack and rob them, usually in a public place, and describes a criminal act. To mug for the camera means to make exaggerated facial expressions for effect, which is a harmless, often humorous behaviour.
Is calling someone a mug an insult?
Yes, in British informal usage, calling someone a mug means describing them as gullible or easily fooled, and it is generally considered a mild insult. This sense is distinct from mug meaning a person's face, which is more neutral or playful.
Is mug meaning a person's face formal or informal?
Mug used to mean a person's face is informal, and it often appears in casual or humorous contexts rather than formal writing.