Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

whataboutery

noun

ˈhwɒtəˌbaʊtəri

Definition

A rhetorical tactic used to respond to criticism by diverting attention to a different issue.

Examples

When confronted about his policies, he resorted to whataboutery, questioning his opponent’s record instead.
In the debate, the politician’s use of whataboutery shifted the focus from his campaign’s failures to his rival’s past mistakes.

Meaning

Whataboutery refers to the act of deflecting criticism by making a counter-accusation or bringing up an unrelated topic, essentially asking “what about…?”