whataboutism
Say it: wot-uh-BOWT-iz-um /ˌwɒtəˈbaʊtɪz(ə)m/ · noun
What “whataboutism” means
Dodging criticism by pointing to someone else's wrongdoing.
More precisely: Deflecting criticism by pointing to someone else's wrongdoing instead of answering it.
Example: “'What about when you forgot my birthday?' is whataboutism, not an apology.”
When to use it
When someone answers criticism by accusing another person instead of addressing their own behaviour. Common in political and everyday arguments.
Similar words
deflection, tu quoque, evasion
Quick check
Asked why he littered, a man points to someone else's overflowing bin rather than answering for his own rubbish. That's…
whataboutism or a rebuttal?
Show the answer
whataboutism
Learn 5 new words a day in Kinquire. Each with a picture, how to say it, an example and a quick check, then spaced review so you actually keep them. Free to start.
Learn “whataboutism”