What does it mean when someone says "that's a loaded question?"?

Answer 1

the question requires a serious and often controvercial answer

Answer 2

Some good answers so far. It may also mean that you are asking for more information than you may be willing to handle or hear. What you hear may not be what you expect and upset you somehow. It could mean that the person asked cannot give a simple answer and it would take a long time to explain things. It has also been used when someone's mindtrack is maybe going along the "adult humor" lines and they say that to politely tell you that what they are thinking isn't what "polite company" would be comfortable overhearing.

It's as unique as the person saying it....

Answer 3

I always thought a loaded question was one that was setting you up. It either got you in trouble if you answered incorrectly (how old do you think I am?) or one that no matter what you said it would be wrong (asking a political or religious question at a party. Some one will not like the answer)

Answer 4

A question heavy with meaning or emotional impact, as in When he inquired after Helen's ex-husband, that was a loaded question. This term employs loaded in the sense of "charged with hidden implication.

Answer 5

It means that they are trying to get you to say something other than the obvious answer to the question. For instance a loaded question from your spouse who suspects you of cheating may ask, so what did you HAVE for dinner last night?

Answer 6

"Do you still beat your wife"?? Sounds like an example of a loaded question to me?

Answer 7

that the question is loaded with sarcasm n justification.