Tu Quoque
lit. “you too”
Dismissing a criticism by pointing out the critic does or did the same thing — 'you do it too, so it doesn't count.'
Origin
A subtype of ad hominem, with its own classical name. The fallacy is in treating hypocrisy as a refutation of the claim. Your doctor saying 'you should stop smoking' is good advice even if the doctor smokes. The argument's truth doesn't depend on the consistency of the arguer. Close cousin of whataboutism, but tu quoque specifically points the same charge back; whataboutism can point any charge back.
Modern usage
Standard online comeback. 'You criticize my privacy — what about your own ad-blockers?' Frequently named in fact-checks and debate analysis. The Latin gives it a slight whiff of formal logic, which makes the accusation feel weightier than 'you too.'
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