To be taken for a mug

Posted by Ms. Laurie S. Dell, B.A. on February 13, 2005

In Reply to: To be taken for a mug posted by Steve on February 03, 2005

A "mug" refers to a man who is a typical look, or facial feature. The mug refers to a face and was used more in reference to a "gangster" or "Undesirable" type. To be taken for a mug is the 1930's American slang meaning to be mistaken for someone else merely because one looks like that person.