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…?”

Synonyms
- deflection
- dodging
- counter-accusation