Archmugwump

/ˌɑːrkˈmʌɡwʌmp/ noun

Definition

A supreme or ultimate political independent or defector; a person of importance who refuses to align with any party or group.

Etymology

From 'arch-' (supreme) + 'mugwump.' 'Mugwump' comes from Algonquian 'mugquomp' meaning 'great chief,' humorously applied to Republican defectors in 1884 American politics.

Kelly Says

The term 'mugwump' was originally an Algonquian word for 'great chief,' but American Republicans used it mockingly in 1884 to insult independents. So 'archmugwump' would be the ultimate independent thinker—someone so committed to being unaligned they won't join anything!

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