whataboutism: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low-medium (primarily in political, media, and academic discourse)Formal, academic, journalistic, political
Quick answer
What does “whataboutism” mean?
A rhetorical tactic of responding to criticism by raising a counter-criticism about a different issue, thereby deflecting attention from the original point.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A rhetorical tactic of responding to criticism by raising a counter-criticism about a different issue, thereby deflecting attention from the original point.
A logical fallacy or diversionary maneuver, often used in political discourse or debates, where the accuser is accused of similar or worse actions, without addressing the substance of the initial criticism.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Slightly more common in UK political media discourse.
Connotations
Universally negative, implying intellectual dishonesty and deflection.
Frequency
Both regions use it similarly. US usage may have increased sharply in political commentary post-2016.
Grammar
How to Use “whataboutism” in a Sentence
to accuse someone of whataboutismto resort to whataboutisman example of whataboutismthe whataboutism ofVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “whataboutism” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was accused of whatabouting when he brought up the previous government's scandals.
- Stop whatabouting and address the issue!
American English
- The senator kept whatabouting during the interview, pivoting to her opponent's record.
adverb
British English
- He argued whataboutistically, never staying on topic.
American English
- She responded whataboutistically, changing the subject entirely.
adjective
British English
- It was a classic whataboutist response.
- His whataboutist logic derailed the debate.
American English
- That's a typical whataboutist deflection tactic.
- The panelist offered a whataboutist counterargument.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare; might be used in discussions of corporate criticism or PR strategies.
Academic
Common in political science, rhetoric, communication studies, and logic.
Everyday
Uncommon outside of politically engaged conversation.
Technical
Used in media analysis, debate coaching, and formal logic as a type of informal fallacy.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “whataboutism”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “whataboutism”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “whataboutism”
- Using it to mean simply 'hypocrisy' (it's about deflection, not just inconsistent behavior).
- Spelling as 'whataboutism' without the 'h' or with 'about' as one word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Hypocrisy is acting contrary to one's stated beliefs. Whataboutism is a rhetorical tactic that *accuses* the critic of hypocrisy (or similar wrongdoing) as a way to deflect from the original criticism, regardless of whether the accuser is actually hypocritical.
Formally, it's considered a logical fallacy (tu quoque) because it doesn't address the substance of the criticism. However, pointing out genuine inconsistency or selective outrage can be contextually relevant, but it should supplement, not replace, a direct response.
They are essentially synonyms. 'Whataboutism' is more common in American English and has a more formal, academic ring. 'Whataboutery' is slightly more common in British English and can sound more colloquial or dismissive.
While describing Soviet propaganda tactics during the Cold War, the term saw a major resurgence in Western political commentary around 2014-2017, particularly in discussions of Russian information operations and certain political debates.
A rhetorical tactic of responding to criticism by raising a counter-criticism about a different issue, thereby deflecting attention from the original point.
Whataboutism is usually formal, academic, journalistic, political in register.
Whataboutism: in British English it is pronounced /ˌwɒt.əˈbaʊ.tɪ.zəm/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌwʌt.əˈbaʊ.t̬ɪ.zəm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “'What about...?' - the phrase that gives the term its name”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
"WHAT ABOUT...ism?" Imagine someone ignoring your question by shouting "What about..." something else entirely. The '-ism' makes it the formal name for that habit.
Conceptual Metaphor
ARGUMENT IS WAR (deflecting an attack with a counter-attack on a different front). Also, FOCUS OF ATTENTION IS A SPOTLIGHT (moving the spotlight away from oneself).
Practice
Quiz
What is the primary purpose of 'whataboutism' in a debate?