Whataboutism is a type of argument or rhetorical device that involves responding to an accusation or criticism by making a counter-accusation or raising a different, often unrelated, issue. It is commonly used as a way to deflect attention from one's own wrongdoings or shortcomings and place the blame on someone else. The term "whataboutism" specifically refers to this tactic of asking "What about...?" in response to an accusation, implying that the accused party has no right to criticize because they are guilty of similar actions themselves.