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Mugwump: meaning, definitions and examples

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mugwump

 

[ หˆmสŒษก.wสŒmp ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

political term

A mugwump is an individual who remains aloof or independent, especially from party politics. The term originated in the late 19th century in the United States to describe Republicans who refused to support their party's candidate in the presidential election. Such individuals often maintain an ethical stance or a moral high ground, choosing not to align with any party. The term has been utilized more broadly to refer to anyone who is indecisive or neutral in political matters.

Synonyms

independent, neutral, nonpartisan

Examples of usage

  • The mugwumps played a key role in the election.
  • Many mugwumps chose to write in their candidates.
  • His mugwump stance frustrated party leaders.

Translations

Translations of the word "mugwump" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น mugwump

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฎเค—เคตเคฎเฅเคช

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Mugwump

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mugwump

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะผัะณะฒัƒะผะฟ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ mugwump

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒžใ‚ฐใƒฏใƒณใƒ—

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mugwump

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ mugwump

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท mugwump

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋จธ๊ทธ์›œํ”„

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ูˆุบูˆู…ุจ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mugwump

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ mugwump

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็ฉ†ๅคๆ—บๆ™ฎ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ mugwump

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ mugwump

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะผาฑา“ะฒัƒะผะฟ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒฃแƒ’แƒ•แƒฃแƒ›แƒžแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ mugwump

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ mugwump

Etymology

The term 'mugwump' is believed to have originated from the Algonquin word 'mugquomp,' meaning 'great chief' or 'important person.' It was adopted in the English language during the late 19th century within the context of American politics. The term gained prominence in the 1884 presidential election, where it was used to describe a faction of the Republican Party that broke away to support the Democratic candidate, Grover Cleveland, over the party's own nominee, James G. Blaine. This group consisted of reform-minded individuals who were disillusioned with the political corruption associated with Blaine's campaign. Over time, 'mugwump' came to denote individuals who are politically ambivalent or who choose not to support a specific party or candidate, thus emphasizing their independence in the political landscape.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #41,122, this word is among the less frequently used terms in English. While interesting to know, it's not crucial for most English learners unless needed for specific purposes.