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

“Blizzard” and “mugwump” were new but a short time ago: the latter is dying from disuse, the former has come to stay.

From Project Gutenberg

Was retribution following thus fast because of that subterfuge of Mugwump?

From Project Gutenberg

This cynic, this philosopher, this mugwump says Sir Walter was a genuine man.

From Project Gutenberg

He scoffed at the idea of becoming a Mugwump, but declared himself ready to renounce his Republicanism and become a Democrat.

From Project Gutenberg

One politician said, frankly, "Women are natural mugwumps, and I hate a mugwump."

From Project Gutenberg