muggins

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "muggins" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used in British English to refer to a person who is easily fooled or taken advantage of, often in a light-hearted or humorous context. Example: "I can't believe I fell for that scam; I really am such a muggins sometimes."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

By prior agreement, if a player overlooks a score, his opponent may call "muggins" (meaning "simpleton") and take the score for himself.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Sniff, a very popular domino game in the United States, is essentially muggins, but the first double played is called sniff and may be put down endwise or sidewise (à cheval), at the holder's option.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Muggins, also called all fives, domino game similar to the regular drawing game except for the rule that if a player can play a piece that makes the sum of the open-end pips on the layout a multiple of five, he scores that number.

Encyclopedia Britannica

So the big oil companies and their mates are lining their pockets at the expense of muggins here, who's paying extra for his petrol?

Independent

It's muggins here that has to go to fucking Lanzarote.

The New Yorker

"And she's no one left, so here I am, muggins here, taking her to a laying out when I've a million other stones to be lifted off the pile".

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

I wish I found joy in everyday things like escalators, was a dab hand at snowball sculpting, a whizz with an Etch A Sketch, used cusses like "cotton-headed ninny-muggins", and had his telephone manner ("Buddy the elf: what's your favourite colour?").

The Guardian - Film

Burns, at 40, more closely resembles the Yankees' diminutive manager of the twenties, Miller Muggins, than he does Ted Williams.

The New Yorker

At its best, it resembles a fully animated social network, a kind of MySpace where everybody is free to wander in and out of one another's digital territories or to meet up in virtual coffee shops or private homes or, as once happened to me — or I should say, to my avatar, Marshmella Muggins — inside a 3-D version of one of da Vinci's fabled flying machines.

The New York Times - Magazine

They think I'm going to be mean, muggin' all the time, rude, bent-up face, don't come anywhere near me – they're already in defence mode.

The Guardian - Music

One musician answers, in a typical stuttering minstrel style, "Aw, Pops, w-we j-just m-muggin' lightly".

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "muggins" to playfully refer to yourself when you've made a silly mistake or are stuck with an undesirable task. It adds a touch of self-deprecating humor to your writing or speech.

Common error

Avoid using "muggins" in formal writing or professional settings. It is generally considered informal and may not be appropriate for serious or official communications. Opt for more neutral terms like "fool" or "dupe" when a formal tone is required.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "muggins" is as a noun, often used in a self-deprecating way to refer to oneself or someone else as a fool or simpleton. This is supported by Ludwig examples where it's used to describe someone stuck with an undesirable task or easily taken advantage of.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Encyclopedias

12%

Formal & Business

4%

Less common in

Science

4%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "muggins" is a noun primarily used informally to refer to someone easily fooled or taken advantage of, often in a self-deprecating manner. As noted by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, especially in British English. Its usage spans from casual conversation to news articles, adding a touch of humor or exasperation. While acceptable in informal contexts, it should be avoided in formal or professional settings. Alternatives include "fool", "dupe", and "sucker". Overall, "muggins" is a playful term that adds character to informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fool

A general term for someone lacking intelligence or easily deceived.

dupe

Someone who is easily tricked or deceived.

sucker

A person easily tricked into doing something.

patsy

A person who is easily taken advantage of or blamed for something.

easy mark

Someone who is easily targeted for scams or deception.

gullible person

A person who is easily persuaded to believe something; credulous.

naive individual

A person lacking experience or worldly knowledge.

fall guy

Someone who is made to take the blame for others.

victim

A person who suffers from a destructive or injurious action.

chump

A foolish or easily deceived person.

FAQs

How can I use "muggins" in a sentence?

You can use "muggins" to refer to someone who is easily fooled or taken advantage of, often self-deprecatingly. For example, "I suppose "muggins" here will have to do all the work, as usual."

What can I say instead of "muggins"?

You can use alternatives like "fool", "dupe", or "sucker" depending on the context.

Is "muggins" a formal or informal term?

"Muggins" is generally considered an informal term. It is best used in casual conversation or writing, rather than in formal or professional contexts.

What is the origin of the word "muggins"?

The origin of the word "muggins" is uncertain, but it has been used to mean a fool or simpleton since the 19th century. It is also the name of a domino and card game.