N: One who waffles, from the verb waffle, meaning to never settle on a stance on one (or more) issue(s); A waffler usually goes from one side to the other and back again, usually
multiple times, depending on who (s)he is talking to at the time. See also panderer.
There is a subtle difference between a waffler and a fence-sitter, most notably in that the fence-sitter never actually decides their stance on an issue/issues.
This term is derived from the food of the same name (waffle), probably because the grid-like patterns on the food resembles how a waffler is on again and off again on their views.
The word has recently made a return to the forefront of common communication with the arrival of John Kerry's (
United States)
Presidential campaign.
"I used to be for the war in Iraq, until I was against it." -
John Kerry (real quote)
Can anyone seriously say that with a
straight face? What a waffler. This guy panders so much he makes Al Gore look like a decent person.
I feel sorry for anyone who lets themselves get hoodwinked into voting for this fool.