mugs

[/mʌɡz/]
noun/verbpl: mugs
canecas, xícaras, rostos
1. Plural of mug; large drinking cups, typically cylindrical with a handle
I have a collection of ceramic mugs in my kitchen cabinet.
Tenho uma coleção de canecas de cerâmica no armário da cozinha.
2. Plural of mug; a person's face (informal/slang)
The criminals' mugs were plastered all over the wanted posters.
Os rostos dos criminosos estavam espalhados por todos os cartazes de procurado.
3. Third person singular or plural present tense of the verb 'to mug'; to attack and rob someone
He mugs tourists in the park at night.
Ele assalta turistas no parque à noite.
4. Third person singular or plural present tense of the verb 'to mug'; to make exaggerated facial expressions
The actor mugs for the camera during the comedy scene.
O ator faz caretices para a câmera durante a cena de comédia.
In Brazilian culture, 'canecas' are common household items and often personalized with names or designs as gifts. The term 'mugs' as slang for faces is understood in Brazilian Portuguese but less commonly used than in English-speaking countries. The verb 'mugging' relates to urban crime concerns in major US cities, though the concept is universal.
NYC Slang
mugs (faces in NYC street slang), stick up (to rob/mug someone)
Synonyms / Sinônimos
cupsvesselscontainersfaces (slang)robsattacks
Antonyms / Antônimos
givesprotects

Regional Variations

General Brazilian
canecas
Most common term for the drinking cups; also 'xícaras' for smaller cups
General Brazilian
assalta
Verb form meaning to rob or attack someone
Rio de Janeiro
canecas
Standard usage; 'rostos' commonly used for faces in slang
São Paulo
canecas
Standard term with equivalent usage as elsewhere in Brazil
Portugal
canecas, chávenas
Portuguese uses 'chávenas' for cups more frequently than Brazil; 'canecas' for larger mugs

Related Words

mug (singular)cupdrinking vesselhandleceramicmuggerrobberyface

Related Idioms & Phrases

mug shot (photograph taken by police)
that's a mug's game (foolish or pointless activity)
get mugged (be robbed or fooled)
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