mugwump

[ muhg-wuhmp ]

noun

1. a Republican who refused to support the party nominee, James G. Blaine, in the presidential campaign of 1884.
2. a person who is unable to make up their mind on an issue, especially in politics; a person who is neutral on a controversial issue.

mugwump

/ ˈmʌɡˌwʌmp /

noun

1. a neutral or independent person, esp in politics

Derived Forms

• ˈmugˌwumpish, adjective
• ˈmugˌwumpery, noun

Other Words From

• mugwumper·y mugwumpism noun
• mugwumpi·an adjective
• mugwumpish adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of mugwump¹

First recorded in 1830–35, Americanism; artificial 19th-century revival of Massachusett ( English spelling) mugquomp, syncopated form of muggumquomp “war leader” (equivalent to Proto-Algonquian (unattested) memekw- perhaps “swift” + (unattested) -a·pe·w “man”)

Word History and Origins

Origin of mugwump¹

C19: from Algonquian: great chief, from mogki great + -omp man

Example Sentences

Telford Taylor, a mugwump Democrat, remarks that though good intentions may be mitigating circumstances, they do not negate the fact of a crime, if one occurred.

From New York Times

Indeed, the infamous mugwump was predictably dragged on social media after news of the decision broke.

From Salon

This year’s list included “blithering,” ”gauche” and “mugwump,” which refers to a person who remains aloof or independent - especially from party politics.

From Washington Times

This year’s list included “blithering,” ”gauche” and “mugwump,” which refers to a person who remains aloof or independent — especially from party politics.

From Seattle Times

It's not everyday you get called a mugwump.

From BBC