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.