Definition

Noun: A collection or file of photographs, typically of individuals' faces, used for identification purposes. Historically and most commonly, this term refers to a police file containing photographs of criminals or suspects (mug shots).

Usage

• The detective flipped through the mug book, hoping the witness could identify the robber.
• Before computerized databases, police relied heavily on physical mug books to identify repeat offenders.

Advanced Usage

• The term can be used metaphorically to describe any collection of unflattering or standardized portrait photographs, such as a yearbook or a directory of employee ID photos, often with a humorous or critical tone.
  • The company's internal directory looks like a corporate mug book with all those stern headshots.

Variants and Related Words

• Mug shot (noun): A photograph of a person's face, especially one taken after arrest by police.
  • The suspect's mug shot was added to the file.

Synonyms

• Rogue's gallery
• Photo file
• Identification album

Related Phrases

• To be in the mug book: An informal phrase meaning to have one's photograph on file with the police, implying a criminal record or history of arrest.
  • He's been arrested before, so he's definitely in the mug book.

Noun

1. a file of mug shots (pictures of criminals that are kept on file by the police)