Mugwump
noun
A person who is independent, especially in politics, refusing to follow any party.
Despite being a member of the political party, he acted like a mugwump, voting based on his own beliefs.
Often appears as...
- political mugwump
- act like a mugwump
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A person who is in charge or has a lot of influence.
He was the real mugwump in the office, controlling all the decisions.
Often appears as...
- office mugwump
- real mugwump
Usage tips
Informal
noun
A person who is independent, especially in politics, refusing to follow any party.
Despite being a member of the political party, he acted like a mugwump, voting based on his own beliefs.
Often appears as...
- political mugwump
- act like a mugwump
Usage tips
Disapproving
noun
A person who is in charge or has a lot of influence.
He was the real mugwump in the office, controlling all the decisions.
Often appears as...
- office mugwump
- real mugwump
Usage tips
Informal
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Political Neutrality
Used to describe someone who does not show loyalty to any political party and makes up their own mind.
Despite the heated debate, he remained a mugwump, not swayed by party lines.
Pro Tip 2/3Decision Autonomy
Reflects a person's choice to act based on personal convictions rather than group influence.
As a mugwump, she valued her independent decisions over the committee's suggestions.
Pro Tip 3/3Historical Usage
Originally used in the 1880s US politics to describe Republicans who supported a Democrat.
His mugwump stance reminded historians of the political shifts in the late 19th century.
Pro Tip 1/3Political Neutrality
Used to describe someone who does not show loyalty to any political party and makes up their own mind.
Despite the heated debate, he remained a mugwump, not swayed by party lines.
Pro Tip 2/3Decision Autonomy
Reflects a person's choice to act based on personal convictions rather than group influence.
As a mugwump, she valued her independent decisions over the committee's suggestions.
Pro Tip 3/3Historical Usage
Originally used in the 1880s US politics to describe Republicans who supported a Democrat.
His mugwump stance reminded historians of the political shifts in the late 19th century.
Pro Tip 1/3Political Neutrality
Used to describe someone who does not show loyalty to any political party and makes up their own mind.
Despite the heated debate, he remained a mugwump, not swayed by party lines.
Pro Tip 2/3Decision Autonomy
Reflects a person's choice to act based on personal convictions rather than group influence.
As a mugwump, she valued her independent decisions over the committee's suggestions.
Pro Tip 3/3Historical Usage
Originally used in the 1880s US politics to describe Republicans who supported a Democrat.
His mugwump stance reminded historians of the political shifts in the late 19th century.
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Video examples
Erin McKean: Go ahead,...
"Mugwump" is a perfectly good word of English. So the words don't have have to sound normal, they can sound really silly. Why should you make words? You should make words because every word is a chance to express your idea and get your meaning across.
Video examples
Erin McKean: Go ahead,...
"Mugwump" is a perfectly good word of English. So the words don't have have to sound normal, they can sound really silly. Why should you make words? You should make words because every word is a chance to express your idea and get your meaning across.
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Horace Porter
American Soldier
A mugwump is a person educated beyond his intellect.
Quote examples
Horace Porter
American Soldier
A mugwump is a person educated beyond his intellect.
Example 1 of 1
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