Tankard vs. Mug — What's the Difference?
By Maham Liaqat & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 30, 2024
A tankard, typically made of metal with a lid, is used for drinking beer; whereas a mug, usually ceramic, is lidless and used for hot beverages like coffee or tea.
Difference Between Tankard and Mug
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A tankard is often crafted from metals such as pewter or silver and traditionally features a hinged lid to prevent contaminants from spoiling the drink. On the other hand, a mug is commonly made from ceramic, glass, or stoneware, and does not have a lid, making it suitable for drinking hot beverages that need to cool.
Tankards are historically associated with beer and ale consumption in various European cultures, equipped with a handle to protect the drinker's hands from cold metal when the drink is chilled. Whereas mugs are used globally for a range of beverages, including coffee and tea, and their handle serves to keep hands away from hot surfaces.
The design of a tankard is often ornate, featuring engravings and embellishments that reflect its historical significance and collectibility. Conversely, mugs tend to have a simpler design but may include decorative motifs or personalized messages, catering to modern tastes and functions.
Tankards are usually larger in capacity compared to the average mug, making them suitable for larger servings of beer. On the other hand, mugs come in various sizes, but are typically used for smaller, more measured servings suitable for hot beverages.
While tankards are often seen in traditional pubs and at historical reenactments, symbolizing a throwback to medieval times, mugs are commonplace in homes and offices, essential for everyday use and comfort.
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Comparison Chart
Material
Typically metal (pewter, silver)
Usually ceramic, sometimes glass or metal
Lid
Usually has a lid
No lid
Common Use
Beer and ales
Hot beverages (coffee, tea)
Design
Ornate, with engravings
Simple to decorative, often personalized
Cultural Significance
Strong historical associations
Ubiquitous, modern utility
Compare with Definitions
Tankard
A beer mug with a lid used to prevent debris from falling into the brew.
He closed the lid of his tankard to keep the flies out.
Mug
A sturdy implement suitable for both hot and cold drinks.
He filled his mug with iced tea on a hot summer day.
Tankard
A metal or ceramic container resembling a large mug with a single handle.
She collected antique tankards from her travels across Europe.
Mug
A casual drinking container commonly used for hot beverages.
He bought a new mug every place he visited as a souvenir.
Tankard
An ornamental cup often used in ceremonies or as part of a collection.
The engraved tankard was awarded as the top prize at the festival.
Mug
An informal cup often used in various personal or office settings.
Her desk was cluttered with mugs full of pens and markers.
Tankard
A vessel used historically in Europe for drinking ale or beer.
The museum displayed a 17th-century tankard once used in royal banquets.
Mug
A cylindrical drinking vessel with a handle, used without a lid.
She sipped her morning coffee from a faded blue ceramic mug.
Tankard
A large drinking cup usually with a handle and a hinged lid.
He lifted the heavy pewter tankard and toasted to good health.
Mug
A container often personalized with text, images, or patterns.
The holiday gift was a personalized mug with her name on it.
Tankard
A tankard is a form of drinkware consisting of a large, roughly cylindrical, drinking cup with a single handle. Tankards are usually made of silver or pewter, but can be made of other materials, for example wood, ceramic or leather.
Mug
A mug is a type of cup typically used for drinking hot drinks, such as coffee, hot chocolate, or tea. Mugs usually have handles and hold a larger amount of fluid than other types of cup.
Tankard
A tall beer mug, typically made of silver or pewter, with a handle and sometimes a hinged lid.
Mug
A heavy cylindrical drinking cup usually having a handle.
Tankard
A large drinking cup having a single handle and often a hinged cover, especially a tall pewter or silver mug.
Mug
The amount that such a cup can hold.
Tankard
A large drinking vessel, sometimes of pewter, sometimes with a glass base, with one handle and often a hinged cover.Tankard
I sure would be much happier with a tankard of mead right about now.
Mug
The human face.
Tankard
A large drinking vessel, especially one with a cover.
Marius was the first who drank out of a silver tankard, after the manner of Bacchus.
Mug
The area of the human mouth, chin, and jaw.
Tankard
Large drinking vessel with one handle
Mug
A grimace.
Mug
A mug shot.
Mug
A thug; a hoodlum.
Mug
Chiefly British Slang A victim or dupe.
Mug
(Informal) To photograph (a person's face) for police files.
Mug
To threaten or assault (a person) with the intent to rob
Arrested the thief who mugged the tourists.
Mug
To make exaggerated facial expressions, especially for humorous effect
The partygoers mugged for the camera.
Mug
A large cup for beverages, usually having a handle and used without a saucer.A mug
Mug
The face.
What an ugly mug.
Mug
A gullible or easily-cheated person.
He's a gullible mug – he believed her again.
Mug
A stupid or contemptible person.
Mug
(slang) A criminal.
Mug
Motherfucker (usually in similes, e.g. "like a mug" or "as a mug")
Mug
(archaic) Easily fooled, gullible.
Mug
Uninteresting or unpleasant.
Mug
To strike in the face.
Mug
(transitive) To assault for the purpose of robbery.
Mug
(intransitive) To exaggerate a facial expression for communicative emphasis; to make a face, to pose, as for photographs or in a performance, in an exaggerated or affected manner.
The children weren't interested in sitting still for a serious photo; they mugged for the camera.
Mug
(transitive) To photograph for identification; to take a mug shot.
Mug
To learn or review a subject as much as possible in a short time; cram.
Mug
A kind of ceramic or metal drinking cup, with a handle, - usually cylindrical and without a lip.
Mug
The face or mouth; as, I don't want to see your ugly mug again; - often used contemptuously.
Mug
To take property from (a person) in a public place by threatening or committing violence on the person who is robbed; to rob, especially to rob by use of a weapon such as a knife or gun.
Mug
The quantity that can be held in a mug
Mug
A person who is gullible and easy to take advantage of
Mug
The human face (`kisser' and `smiler' and `mug' are informal terms for `face' and `phiz' is British)
Mug
With handle and usually cylindrical
Mug
Rob at gunpoint or with the threat of violence;
I was mugged in the streets of New York last night
Common Curiosities
Are mugs suitable for office use?
Yes, mugs are very common in office environments for drinking coffee or tea.
What is the primary material of a tankard?
Tankards are primarily made of metals like pewter or silver.
Why do tankards have lids?
Tankards have lids to protect the contents from contaminants.
Can you use a mug for cold drinks?
Yes, mugs can be used for both hot and cold beverages.
Is there a difference in the handle design between a tankard and a mug?
Both can have handles, but tankard handles are often designed to accommodate the heavier weight of metal.
How do you care for a pewter tankard?
Pewter tankards should be hand washed and dried immediately to prevent tarnishing.
What is a common use for tankards today?
Today, tankards are commonly used in historical reenactments or as collectibles.
How are tankards different from other beer steins?
Tankards specifically refer to lidded vessels, while beer steins might also include ceramic vessels with similar designs but potentially larger sizes.
Do tankards keep drinks colder?
The metal in tankards can help keep liquids colder longer, especially when pre-chilled.
What is the best way to clean a ceramic mug?
Ceramic mugs are best cleaned with soap and water; they are also typically dishwasher safe.
Can a mug have a lid?
While uncommon, some mugs do come with lids, especially travel mugs.
What makes a tankard ornamental?
The ornamental quality of a tankard comes from its historical designs, engravings, and sometimes gem inclusions.
Can you microwave a mug?
Ceramic mugs can be microwaved, but metal mugs cannot.
What is a typical feature of a mug for office use?
Office mugs often feature company logos or humorous quotes, adding a personal touch to the workspace.
Are there different sizes of mugs?
Yes, mugs come in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 8 to 20 ounces.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
