What Does Mean Mugging Mean?

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Explaining what the mean mugging face means & looks like

Co-authored by Jenna Jean Davis and Devin McSween

Last Updated: April 30, 2025 Fact Checked

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Meaning

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How to Use & Examples

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Origins

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Related Phrases

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Tips

You’ve probably heard a friend say that someone was “mean mugging” them, or maybe you’ve been accused of “mean mugging” someone yourself. But what exactly does this slang phrase mean? “Mean mugging” is an angry facial expression that you give someone when you want to intimidate them or show them that you’re upset. If you want to learn more about this phrase, read on! In this article, we’ll go over the definition of “mean mugging,” how to use it, explain where it comes from, and tell you about other related terms.

Mean Mugging Definition

Mean mugging is a slang phrase that describes someone looking at you with an angry or cold facial expression. It basically means that someone is scowling and frowning at you to express that they’re annoyed or mad.

Section 1 of 4:

Meaning of Mean Mugging

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Mean mugging means to stare with an irritated or angry facial expression. This slang term is a verb that refers to making a scowling facial expression and directing it at another person. It usually involves frowning and furrowing your eyebrows, which makes you look angry or threatening. You might “mean mug” another person to look intimidating, express that you’re upset or frustrated, or signify that you’re judging them.^{[1]
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- Mean mugging isn’t always intentional or meant to be offensive. Some people’s faces naturally rest in a frown, while other people might make this expression while they’re concentrating or simply tired.
- Pronunciation: Mean mugging is pronounced “meen-mugh-ing” or “meen-mugh-in.”

Section 2 of 4:

Examples of How to Use Mean Mugging

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Mean mugging can be used seriously or humorously. Mean mugging is usually used to describe an unpleasant look someone is giving you that makes you feel upset, uncomfortable, or offended. However, you can also use it playfully to poke fun at someone’s expression, like a baby unintentionally scowling at you.
- “This girl at the coffee shop was mean mugging me. She gave me the rudest glare because she thought I took her order. Thankfully the barista called her name right after I got my coffee!”
- “Remind me not to get on Nick’s bad side! He was mean muggin’ everyone who kept talking in class. From his face, I thought he was gonna go over there and make them be quiet!”
- “I was mean mugging everyone on the road today. People kept cutting me off and tailgating. I hope my face doesn’t stay like this!”
- “I love it when babies look like they’re mean mugging. Like what could they possibly be so annoyed about? Their expressions are too funny.”
- “I swear your cat was mean mugging me! He had such an angry facial expression. I think he’s mad because I didn’t give him every single treat in the bag.”

Section 3 of 4:

Origins of Mean Mugging

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Mean mugging is a combination of the terms “mean” and “mug.” “Mean” is an adjective that describes someone who’s unkind, rude, or bad-tempered. “Mug” is an old slang term from the 1700s that means “face.” It’s more of a derogatory term, as it usually refers to an unattractive or unpleasant face.^{[2]
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- In the 1700s, it was a popular trend to draw or sculpt ugly faces on mugs (the drinking cups). So, people believe that “mug” became slang for “face” due to the fad!
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Mean mugging originated in the Black community. Mean mugging comes from AAVE (African American Vernacular English) slang. It was primarily popularized by hip-hop and rap artists in the 1990s and 2000s. For instance, popular artists like 2Pac, The Notorious B.I.G., and Nas mention mean mugging in their songs.^{[3]
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Section 4 of 4:

Related Phrases

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Giving someone a dirty look When you give someone a dirty look, it means you’re looking at them with a mad or irritated facial expression. This usually means that you’re upset, angry, or annoyed at something they did and want them to know.^{[4]
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- “Oh, Josie knows I’m mad. I gave her a dirty look after she said that mean comment about Sloane. And, she just texted me to apologize!”
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Giving someone the side eye Side eye is a slang phrase that refers to looking at someone from the corner of your eye. This sidelong glance is meant to express disapproval, judgment, suspicion, or disgust about someone’s actions.^{[5]
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- “I gave Bryce’s girlfriend the side eye when she said she doesn’t like dogs. Did she forget that Bryce works at an animal rescue and has 2 pups himself, or does she just not care?”
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Giving someone the evil eye People in many cultures believe in the evil eye, which is a hateful or nasty look that someone gives you which is believed to bring you bad luck. It can also more generally refer to an angry or irritated facial expression that’s meant to express disapproval, frustration, or annoyance.^{[6]
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- “The librarian gave me the evil eye for talking. I’ve never seen her look so scary! I think I’m gonna wear an evil eye bracelet from now on to stay protected.”
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Resting b*tch face Resting b*tch face, or RBF, is a slang phrase that refers to someone’s resting facial expression that appears annoyed, unhappy, or irritated. People with RBF often feel misunderstood, because even when they’re relaxed or happy, their neutral expression makes them look upset.^{[7]
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- “Everyone always asks me if I’m mad at them and when I ask why, they tell me that I look annoyed. Do I have resting b*tch face?”

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Tips

Pictures of people mean mugging are popular memes and reaction gifs online and in texting. For instance, images of athletes mean mugging when they don’t like the ref’s call are popular memes, such as basketball player Giannis Antetokounmpo.

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