whatby

Whatby is a neologism used in online discourse to request provenance for a claim or piece of information. In usage, whatby can function as a noun (a whatby) or as a verb (to whatby someone). The term centers on eliciting attribution, sources, or authorship in discussions where verification is valued.

Etymology and spread: Whatby appears to have emerged in internet forums and social media communities in the early 2020s, blending the components “what” and “by” to signal “by what source?” or “by whom?” It developed through conversational use and memes, rather than through formal linguistic channels, and has since circulated in threads that emphasize source checks and accountability.

Usage and context: Whatby is commonly seen in moderated discussions, Q&A exchanges, and comment sections where users seek to verify statements. Typical applications include prompting for a citation, a publication reference, or an author. Examples might include sentences such as, “That claim needs a source—whatby?” or “Please whatby the study you’re citing.” In some communities, whatby also appears as a lighthearted shorthand for urging transparency rather than as a formal requirement.

Reception and variants: As a niche, informal term, whatby is primarily used in digital spaces that value verification. It has been described as helpful for clarifying provenance but can be perceived as pedantic if overused. Variants and related practices include explicit requests for links, citations, or primary sources, and broader norms around fact-checking and attribution.

See also: source criticism, fact-checking, citation standards.