Mug
509020
225515879
2008-07-14T02:38:47Z
71.236.132.80
/* Functions */
{{otheruses1|the beverage container}}
[[Image:PlainMug.jpg|right|thumb|A white glazed ceramic mug]]
A '''mug''' is a sturdily built type of [[Drinkware|cup]] often used for drinking hot beverages, such as [[coffee]], [[tea]], or [[hot chocolate]]. Mugs, by definition, have handles and often hold a larger amount of [[fluid]] than other types of cup. In more formal settings a mug is usually not used for serving hot beverages, with a [[teacup]] or coffee cup being preferred. [[Shaving mug]]s can be used to assist in [[shaving|wet shaving]].
Many mugs are made of [[ceramic]] materials such as [[earthenware]], [[bone china]], [[porcelain]] or [[stoneware]]. Some are made from strengthened glass, such as [[Pyrex]]. Other materials, including plastic, steel and [[Vitreous enamel|enamel]]ed metal are used where break resistance is at a premium, such as for [[camper]]s. Techniques such as [[silk screen]] printing or [[decal]]s can be used to apply decorations; these are fired onto the mug to ensure permanence.
== Functions ==
The mug serves many functions which make it especially suited to holding hot liquids:
*Provides a handle for grasping, and to provide a cool area of the mug that is insulated from the hot liquid by distance.
*Insulates the beverage to prevent it from cooling quickly. Thick walls separate the beverage from the cool external air, and an indented base separates the beverage from the surface upon which the mug is set. The shape of the base forms the characteristic O-shaped coffee stain, so often seen upon desks and documents.
==Specialist designs==
A travel mug is a variation on the traditional mug that is better for transporting hot liquids. It may or may not be a [[vacuum flask]], but is usually well insulated and completely enclosed, with an easily closed opening on the top.
A puzzle mug is a [[novelties|novelty]] that is counter-intuitive. It will usually have several holes in the rim, making it impossible to drink from in the normal way. Frequently the solution is to cover all the holes in the rim, and then drink via another hole in the hollow handle.
[[Category:Drinkware]]
[[Category:Teaware]]
[[cs:Hrnek]]
[[de:Becher]]
[[es:Taza]]
[[fr:Mug]]
[[ko:머그잔]]
[[he:ספל]]
[[nl:Beker (voorwerp)]]
[[ja:マグカップ]]
[[pl:Kubek]]
[[pt:Taça]]
[[ru:Кружка]]
[[simple:Mug]]
[[fi:Muki]]
[[sv:Mugg]]
[[zh:馬克杯]]