mug up
In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.
Sense 1
Meaning · English
To study intensely.
Register: slang
Where it’s used:
Used
American English
Examples
I mugged up on the meaning of road signs before taking my driving test.
Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
To paint one's face or put on a costume for the purpose of impersonation.
Register: slang
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “mug up” mean?
To study intensely.
Is “mug up” formal or informal?
mug up is generally slang.