"Mean mugging" refers to the act of giving someone a hostile or angry look, often as a way to intimidate or express disdain without using words. This non-verbal communication can be seen in various social environments, such as street culture or among peers, where the expression serves as a warning or show of toughness.
The term "mean mugging" combines "mean," which conveys a sense of hostility or unfriendliness, with "mugging," a slang term for the face or facial expression. The phrase likely originates from urban slang that emphasizes an aggressive demeanor.