mugwump
- noun
- /ˈmʌɡwʌmp/
- Archaic
:
independiente
- Many voters are seen as mugwumps when they refuse to align with the traditional party lines in politics.
Examples
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The mugwump members of the committee often criticized party loyalties, advocating for independent thought.
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As a true mugwump, she chose not to support either political candidate during the election.
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-Hey, mugwumps!
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We were not mugwumps.
Academic text (1996) -
The unfortunate consequence of this is that mugwump Jeb Clampett wannabe Terry Jones.
Blog text (30) -
He was a mugwump reacting negatively to the new industrialist class, but maintaining a strong belief in the triumph of American ideals and progress.
Academic text (1994) -
Mugwumps are people who stand aloof from party politics, but this one was shortly to be rejoicing at Macmillan's return to Downing Street, after which Amis changed his allegiance.
Academic text (1996)
Synonyms
122
3.6
A person who does not belong to any political party
1
6.3
A person who does not support any political party
A person who does not choose a side in a dispute, especially in politics
How Neutral
Surface Forms
Etymology
The word mugwump comes from an old Native American word that meant 'important person' or 'war leader'. In 1880s U.S. politics it was used for people who stood above the fight and would not take a side, so today a mugwump is someone who stays neutral or independent.