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Mugshot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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mugshot

[หˆmสŒษกสƒษ’t ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

photograph, crime

A mugshot is a photographic portrait taken after a person is arrested. It typically features a frontal and profile view of the individual and is used for police records and identification purposes. Mugshots are often associated with criminal activity and are publicly available in many jurisdictions. The term has also come to encompass any informal or candid photograph of a person.

Synonyms

arrest photo, booking photo, police photograph.

Examples of usage

  • The police released the mugshot of the suspect.
  • She recognized him from his mugshot in the news.
  • Mugshots can be found on online databases.
  • After his arrest, the mugshot became viral.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Criminal Justice

  • Mugshots are often taken upon arrest to identify suspects and maintain police records.
  • They can be used in the public records system and are sometimes shared online, leading to concerns about privacy and reputational damage.
  • During the 20th century, the use of mugshots evolved with advances in photography and technology, leading to higher quality images.

Media and Culture

  • Mugshots have become a part of celebrity culture, with many famous figures facing the camera after scandals.
  • In recent years, the internet has seen a rise in websites dedicated to posting and searching for mugshots, sometimes leading to ethical debates.
  • Films and TV shows often depict mugshots to signify crime, adding drama and tension to storytelling.

Psychology

  • The way someone looks in a mugshot can influence public perception, often affecting how they are viewed by society.
  • Research suggests that facial expressions captured in mugshots can sway juror decisions in court cases.
  • The stigma associated with having a mugshot can affect people's self-esteem and mental health after an arrest.

Art and Photography

  • The aesthetic of mugshots has inspired artists, with some incorporating them into contemporary art as a form of social commentary.
  • In documentary photography, mugshots capture raw human experiences, providing insights into society's issues.
  • Some photographers have sought to redefine the mugshot, highlighting the unique stories and backgrounds of individuals beyond their criminal record.

Origin of 'mugshot'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'mug' is slang for 'face' and originates from British English, dating back to the 19th century.
  • The word 'shot' in photography refers to capturing an image, and it has been used in this context since the early days of photography.
  • Together, 'mugshot' became popular in the United States in the late 19th century as police departments began to document arrests.

The term 'mugshot' originates from the combination of the slang term 'mug,' which means face, used in English since the 19th century, and 'shot,' referring to a photograph. The use of photographs for identification purposes began in the late 1800s with the advent of photography in law enforcement. Mugshots became a standard practice in police stations across the United States and Europe as they provided a visual record of suspects and helped in tracking criminal activities. The practice of taking mugshots continues to be relevant today, not only for legal purposes but also in popular culture, where mugshots can sometimes reflect societal perceptions of crime and punishment.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,755, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.