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.