stumping

Stumping is a term with multiple meanings, most notably in politics and sports. It derives from the use of a wooden stump as a public speaking platform, so “on the stump” became a familiar image of campaign appearances. Today, stumping describes the practice of a candidate or party traveling to communities to deliver political speeches and promote their platform.

In politics, stumping involves visiting towns, villages, and public venues to address crowds, media, and supporters. Speeches are often concise and repeated across many locations to build recognition and convey key messages. Stumping is a core element of grassroots campaigning in many democracies, helping to personalize candidates and raise visibility. Critics argue it can emphasize rhetoric over policy details and may favor well-funded campaigns.

In cricket, stumping is a specific form of dismissal executed by the wicketkeeper. It occurs when the batsman is out of his ground and the keeper puts down the stumps with the ball before the batsman can return to ground, typically after the ball has been delivered and the batsman has attempted to play or run. A successful stumping is credited to the wicketkeeper and must involve the batsman being out of his crease when the stumps are broken; simply grounding the bat or body behind the crease prevents a stumping.

Aside from these uses, the term is rarely employed in other common contexts. Overall, stumping in politics refers to campaign-style appearances, while in cricket it denotes a specific, skill-based dismissal by the wicketkeeper.