To disrespect, embarrass, or make a fool of someone, or to take advantage of someone's trust.
To treat someone like a fool or to humiliate them — making them look stupid.
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
To humiliate or disrespect someone, often publicly, by treating them as a fool.
"I can't believe she mugged him off like that in front of everyone."
Don't mug me off! I'm not an idiot.
— Love Island (UK), ITV2, 2017
To take advantage of someone's trust or good nature.
"He's been mugging her off for months — she does everything for him and he gives nothing back."
British slang, popularised by UK reality TV shows such as 'Love Island.' Common among younger British speakers. Carries a strong sense of disrespect or betrayal of trust. Not widely understood outside British slang contexts.
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
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