mugwump
a Republican who refused to support the party nominee, James G. Blaine, in the presidential campaign of 1884.
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.
Origin of mugwump
1Other words from mugwump
- mug·wump·er·y, mugwumpism, noun
- mug·wump·i·an, adjective
- mugwumpish, adjective
Words Nearby mugwump
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
How to use mugwump in a sentence
“Blizzard” and “mugwump” were new but a short time ago: the latter is dying from disuse, the former has come to stay.
English: Composition and Literature | W. F. (William Franklin) WebsterWas retribution following thus fast because of that subterfuge of mugwump?
Emmy Lou | George Madden MartinThis cynic, this philosopher, this mugwump says Sir Walter was a genuine man.
An American Hobo in Europe | Ben GoodkindHe scoffed at the idea of becoming a mugwump, but declared himself ready to renounce his Republicanism and become a Democrat.
Eugene Field, A Study In Heredity And Contradictions | Slason ThompsonOne politician said, frankly, "Women are natural mugwumps, and I hate a mugwump."
The History of Woman Suffrage, Volume IV | Various
British Dictionary definitions for mugwump
/ (ˈmʌɡˌwʌmp) /
US a neutral or independent person, esp in politics
Origin of mugwump
1Derived forms of mugwump
- mugwumpery or mugwumpism, noun
- mugwumpish, adjective
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
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