Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
tu-quoque
Noun
/tuː ˈkwɒkweɪ/
Definition
A Latin term meaning ‘you too,’ used to counter an accusation by turning it back on the accuser.
Examples
- When accused of procrastination, John replied with a tu-quoque, pointing out how his boss also misses deadlines.
- In the debate, the candidate’s tu-quoque tactic failed to address the main issue at hand.
- Instead of answering the question directly, she used a tu-quoque to shift the focus back onto her opponent.
Meaning
The term highlights a logical fallacy where someone responds to an accusation by making a similar one against the accuser.
Synonyms
- You too
- What about you?
- Hypocrisy (in context)
