Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

mugwump

noun

/ˈmʌɡwʌmp/

Definition

A person who remains aloof or independent, especially from party politics.

Examples

The senator was considered a mugwump for refusing to endorse either candidate in the election.
Despite the heated debates, she remained a mugwump, choosing to prioritize her values over party allegiance.
His mugwump attitude made him unpopular with party members who preferred a more loyal stance.

Meaning

The term originally referred to a political independent who doesn’t align with any political party. Today, it often describes someone who takes a neutral stance or remains uninvolved in partisan politics, sometimes implying a lack of commitment or decisiveness.