When did mug mean face?

mug (v.2) “make exaggerated facial expressions,” 1855, originally theatrical slang, from mug (n. 2) “face.” Related: Mugged; mugging.

What does mug stand for in slang?

mug is london slang probably cockney. as it is used mostly by londoners and people from essex. it means a stupid, gullible person. someone easily taken advantage of.

Why do British people call people mugs?

In the 18th century in Scotland and Northern England, it was still used in this sense- thus, what we now call Toby jugs were then known as Toby mugs. And they were popular. Most households had a large “mug” with a face on it displayed prominently in their house, so “mug” became slang for “face”.

What is the origin of mug?

Mug, colloquially meaning ‘a foolish or stupid person,’ dates back to the mid-19th century, and originated in thieves’ slang. Mug, meaning ‘to beat up,’ has been used since the early 19th century, when it specifically meant ‘to hit in the face,’ and comes from the noun sense meaning face.

Is mug another name for face?

“Mug” predates old-time Movieland, though. It has been used as a noun to describe the face and as a verb of the word “grimace” since the 17th century. It most likely derives from “mugg,” a Scandinavian word for a drinking vessel. This may have led to the use of “mug” as a synonym for an ugly face.

What does it mean to mug someone off?

slang To treat someone like or make someone seem like a fool. You’re just mugging me off now! They’re just kids trying to mug you off. Don’t pay them no mind. slang To cheat, swindle, or con someone.

What is a melt UK slang?

1. Melt. Definition: Acting soft/pathetically over a girl, or boy. Being a soppy Sally – but in a way that draws disdain from your fellow contestants. As in: “You’re acting like a total melt.”

What does crack on mean in UK?

UK informal. to start or continue doing something, especially more quickly or with more energy after a pause: The meeting needs to finish by 5, so we’d better crack on.

How do you mean mug someone?

That’s mean -mugging, or the act of glowering at someone with an intimidating, irritated, or judgmental facial expression.

Is mug an insult?

Mug is a funny word that could represent a cup, your face, or even what you do when you rob someone. When it’s a verb, mug means ” rob someone while threatening violence.” This meaning came from an earlier definition, “to strike someone in the face (or the mug).”

Is botched a bad word in England?

This one’s occasionally used stateside, but botched equates to messed up or poorly done. Don’t get it confused with the similar-sounding “bodged” — that adjective actually means improvised. Take a ride on the Tube and hopefully no one tells you budge up, i.e., move over.

What do British people call cups?

Cuppa – A cup of tea, as in “I’m dying for a cuppa!” Custom – While the British use this word in the same sense of “a longstanding tradition” that Americans do, they also sometimes use it to refer to giving a company business, as in “I don’t give Sainsbury’s my custom any more now that they’ve hiked their prices”.

Is mug an American word?

mug in American English d. a rough, ugly person; ruffian, thug, etc.