mug shot etymology

Etymology:

• Mug: A drinking vessel or a grimace
• Shot: A photograph

Meaning:

A photographic portrait of a person taken after being arrested, typically showing the person's face and chest.

Origin:

The term "mug shot" originated in the United States in the late 19th century. It is believed to have been coined by police officers who used the term to describe the standard-issue drinking cups they used to take prisoners' photographs.

The practice of taking mug shots began in the 1850s, when the invention of photography made it possible to create a permanent record of a person's appearance. Initially, mug shots were used to identify and track criminals. However, over time they have also been used for identification purposes in cases of missing persons, suspicious deaths, and other investigations.

Today, mug shots are taken as a routine part of the booking process for anyone arrested. They are typically taken in a standardized format, which includes the person's full face, shoulders, and chest. Mug shots are stored in police databases and are used for a variety of purposes, including:

• Identifying suspects
• Tracking criminals
• Verifying identities
• Creating wanted posters
• Assisting in criminal investigations

mug shot relate terms

• mug shot

  Etymology Mug A drinking vessel or a grimace Shot A photograph Meaning A photogra

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• scot

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