What is "rhetorical question"

n. 1 A question posed only for dramatic or persuasive effect. 2 (context colloquial English) A question to which the asker does not expect an answer.

n. a statement that is formulated as a question but that is not supposed to be answered; "he liked to make his points with rhetorical questions"

A rhetorical question is a figure of speech in the form of a question that is asked to make a point rather than to elicit an answer. Though a rhetorical question does not require a direct answer, in many cases it may be intended to start a discussion or at least draw an acknowledgement that the listener understands the intended message.

A common example is the question "Can't you do anything right?" This question, when posed, is intended not to ask about the listener's abilities, but rather to insinuate a lack of the listener's abilities.

Although sometimes amusing and even humorous, rhetorical questions are rarely meant for pure, comedic effect.