gigglemug

English

Etymology

First attested in the Victorian Era, from giggle +‎ mug

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈɡɪɡl̩mʌɡ/
• Rhymes: -ʌɡ
• Hyphenation: gi‧gle‧mug

Noun

gigglemug (plural gigglemugs)

1. (dated, rare, slang) A smiling face

   The students walked down the hallway, their gigglemugs showing their excitement.

   • 2020, Karin De Havin, chapter 9, in Jin In Time-Two: A Young Adult Travel Romance‎^[1]:

     Mrs. Smyth scowls at me. "Why do you wear such a gigglemug? What is so amusing? We will surely be delayed. My husband has a vital appointment he cannot miss."

2. A perpetually smiling and optimistic person

   He was quite a gigglemug and brightened the dull Monday.

   • 2020, Catherine Doyle, chapter 1, in The Miracle on Ebenezer Street‎^[2]:

     'You were quite the gigglemug back then, Hugo,' said Walter approvingly. 'Even after your father died, you and Flo always managed to make a joy of Christmas. In fact, it was your favourite time of the year.'

   • 2023, SF Benson, chapter 6, in Death and Ruin: All Things Dark and Deadly, Book 4‎^[3]:

     Stepping backward, I looked into the face of Bernard—a definite gigglemug. I could have sworn I'd never seen anyone smile as broadly and as often as the sentry. Even when delivering bad news, he held a joyous expression.

3. A person who deceitfully behaves in a happy manner

   Her boss is just a big gigglemug, and she's the only one who knows what he's really like.