mugwump
Americannoun
-
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.
noun
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of mugwump
First recorded in 1830–35, 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”)
Explanation
A mugwump is someone, especially in politics, who sits on the fence. Mugwumps don't commit to one side or the other. This odd word refers to something common: someone who is neutral or uncommitted, especially in politics. A mugwump isn't committed to a party, candidate, or belief. Mugwumps could be in the middle of the road or just uninterested in politics. During any election, the candidates spend a lot of energy trying to get the mugwumps on their side. If you were trying to make a decision with a group and no one would commit, you could say "Don’t be a bunch of mugwumps!"
Vocabulary lists containing mugwump
There's A Word for That
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
Quiz yourself on these words spoken by the man at the center of the "Laurel" / "Yanny" craze!
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Charlie and the Great Glass Elevator
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Techno and electronica dominate but, as they digitise everything from folk to rockabilly, people like It's A Fine Line, Mugwump, Walls, Three Lions, Popnoname and Jörg Burger bring a distinct rock undertone.
From The Guardian • Sep. 3, 2010
The Nation was still a "little American," a Mugwump, a champion of "intellectual minorities" rather than an assailant of "the predatory interests."
From Time Magazine Archive
In a Moscow theater, French existentialist Playwright Jean-Paul Sartre's The Respectful Prostitute, with some minor changes made by Political Mugwump Sartre himself, was regaling Soviet audiences, but hiding behind the odd alias of Lizzie McKay.
From Time Magazine Archive
To his mind the entire Mugwump movement revolved around Grover Cleveland and opposition to the election of Mr. Blaine.
From Eugene Field, a Study in Heredity and Contradictions — Volume 2 by Thompson, Slason
Mr. Head: "I am a Mugwump to the extent of voting as I choose, and irrespective of party, but I draw the line at Grover Cleveland this time."
From Eugene Field, a Study in Heredity and Contradictions — Volume 2 by Thompson, Slason
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
