mugwump

/ˌmʌgˈwʌmp/

Other forms: mugwumps

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!"

Definitions of mugwump

1. noun

   a neutral or uncommitted person (especially in politics)
   synonyms: fencesitter, independent

   type of:

   individualist

   a person who pursues independent thought or action