Yahoo News What is a mugwump? Boris Johnson's creative insult explained
Many have woken up to the word "mugwump" leading the news after Boris Johnson used it to describe Jeremy Corbyn.
But what exactly does it mean?
While it sounds like a mythical creature from Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings - and JK Rowling did in fact borrow the word to describe the Head of the Wizard Council in her famous books - it means something completely different.
At a glance | What is a mugwump?
The word was originally used to describe Republican political activists in the US who switched to supporting Democrat.
However, it also means "war leader" and can be used to imply that someone is "holier-than-thou".
The modern dictionary definition says it means that someone is aloof or impartial when it comes to party politics.
It seems that not many of these exactly fit what Boris Johnson meant when he referred to the Labour leader as a "mutton-headed old mugwump", as he accused Mr Corbyn of being "dangerous" and urged voters not to support Labour.'
What is a Mugwump"? Is it an insult? Do you know what @BorisJohnson means when he calls @jeremycorbyn a "mutton headed mugwump"? @BBCr4today
— Nick Robinson (@bbcnickrobinson) April 27, 2017
Mugwump: an old and mocking Massachusetts term for a bigwig who, particularly in politics, is non-committal, aloof, or fickle. #r4today
— Susie Dent (@susie_dent) April 27, 2017
It's been suggested that Mr Johnson picked the word because it sounds funny and would lead the agenda, as well as trending on Twitter.
He was completely correct.
It also can't be a coincidence that "mugwump" rhymes with "chump".
Glossary | Boris Johnson's colourful language
