mugger

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "mugger" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to a person who attacks someone in order to steal their money or belongings, often in a public place. Example: "The police are searching for the mugger who assaulted a tourist in the park last night."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

47 human-written examples

Eventually Davies lived on and off in the States, a love affair which he has detailed in a recent memoir, and one that ended badly when, in 2004, he was shot in the leg after chasing a mugger who had stolen his friend's handbag.

The Guardian - Music

When you know for sure there's a mugger round the next bend, you make the most of walking around it.New York and London have not become Geneva or Vancouver.

The Economist

But the mugger is back on the prowl.Even though America is close to recession and growth in other developed economies has slowed, inflation is rising.

The Economist

He had run as a crime-buster; since his inauguration he has even tried to tackle a mugger.

The Economist

It is not like the mugger who grabs your wallet the white-collar criminal is often one of society's most respected members.

The Economist

The image of the black mugger in the 1980s was a caricature, but an accurate one.Recently, though, the "Afro-Caribbean connection" has weakened, according to Ian Delbarre of the Metropolitan Police.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

13 human-written examples

In summer, its hugger-mugger streets resemble Glastonbury-meets-Antiques-Roadshow.

The Guardian - Money

Mr Kenyatta, one of Kenya's richest oligarchs, who next month will complete his first year in office, is reportedly fond of similar ritzy watering-holes.Barely a mile away from the Capital Club, the acrid fumes of charcoal fires in Kibera, a notorious slum, mingle with the stench of sewage running down the muddy alleys where perhaps 800,000 Nairobians live in hugger-mugger squalor.

The Economist

Tall buildings gather, hugger-mugger, along the edges of canals.

The Economist

Now the migration from the cities is beginning to speed up.But the people who are moving first are not necessarily the poor, living hugger-mugger in slums.

The Economist

Other clients used to worry that the pair were still too hugger-mugger.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing about crime, use "mugger" to specifically denote someone who commits robbery through violence or the threat of violence in a public place. Consider alternative terms like "thief" or "robber" if the context is broader or the method is different.

Common error

Avoid using "mugger" when the crime doesn't involve direct confrontation or threat. For instance, referring to a burglar who breaks into an empty house as a "mugger" would be inaccurate; "burglar" or "thief" would be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The term "mugger" functions primarily as a noun, referring to an individual who commits a specific type of crime: robbery involving violence or the threat of violence, typically in a public setting. Ludwig confirms its correct usage in describing street robbers.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Encyclopedias

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "mugger" is a common and grammatically correct noun used to describe someone who commits robbery, typically involving violence or the threat thereof, in a public space. As highlighted by Ludwig, this term appears frequently in news and media contexts, as well as encyclopedic entries. While synonyms like "robber" and "thief" exist, "mugger" specifically implies a more aggressive and confrontational form of theft. Be mindful of this specific connotation to ensure accurate and impactful communication. Ludwig AI validates the term's proper usage and provides numerous examples of its application in diverse scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

street robber

Focuses specifically on robbery occurring in public urban environments.

robber

Someone who takes property unlawfully from a person or place by force or threat of force.

thief

A broad term for someone who steals, without specifying the method or location.

assailant

A more general term for someone who attacks another person, not necessarily for theft.

bandit

Often associated with rural or historical contexts, referring to an outlaw or robber.

marauder

Implies someone who roams in search of things to steal or people to attack.

highwayman

A historical term for a robber who preyed on travelers on highways.

pickpocket

Someone who steals from people's pockets or bags without them noticing.

gurner

Refers to a person who makes exaggerated faces.

Crocodilus palustris

Zoological name to refer a large crocodile, Crocodilus palustris, of southwest Asia, having a very broad wrinkled snout.

FAQs

How is "mugger" different from "robber"?

"Mugger" typically refers to someone who commits robbery in a public place, often involving physical assault or the threat of violence. "Robber" is a broader term that encompasses any act of stealing, whether or not it involves confrontation.

What are some synonyms for "mugger"?

Depending on the context, you could use synonyms such as "street robber", "assailant", or "thief". The best choice depends on the specific details of the situation.

Is it correct to use "mugger" to describe someone who commits burglary?

No, "mugger" specifically refers to someone who robs a person directly, usually in public. A person who commits burglary is a "burglar", not a mugger.

Can "mugger" refer to a type of crocodile?

Yes, "mugger" can also refer to a large crocodile, Crocodilus palustris, native to southwest Asia. However, this usage is less common than its meaning as a street robber.