mug
UK: mʌɡ | US: mʌɡ
n. a large cup, typically cylindrical with a handle
n. (slang) a person’s face
vt. (informal) to attack and rob someone in a public place
The word "mug" has a dual history. Its earliest meaning (late 16th century) referred to a drinking vessel, possibly borrowed from Scandinavian (e.g., Old Norse "mugge"). Later (18th century), it acquired the slang sense of "face," likely from the resemblance of grotesque drinking mugs to exaggerated facial expressions. The verb "to mug" (rob) emerged in the 19th century, possibly linked to thieves targeting victims by striking their "mugs" (faces).
She sipped her coffee from a chipped ceramic mug.
The boxer wiped sweat off his bruised mug after the match.
He was arrested for attempting to mug a tourist near the subway.
This quirky mug has a cartoon cat printed on it.
(Humorous) "Put a smile on your mug—it’s your birthday!"