Top 33 Slang For Questioning – Meaning & Usage

Curious about the latest slang for questioning? In a world where language is constantly evolving, staying up-to-date with the newest terms can be a challenge. But fear not, we’ve got you covered. Our team has scoured the depths of modern conversation to bring you a curated list of the most trendy and relevant slang for questioning. Get ready to level up your communication game and impress your friends with these fresh new phrases!

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1. Grill

To grill someone means to question them intensely or aggressively, often with the intention of uncovering the truth or getting information out of them. This slang term is commonly used in informal settings.

For example, a detective might say, “I’m going to grill the suspect until they confess.”
In a heated argument, someone might say, “Why are you grilling me about this? I already told you the truth.”
A journalist might ask, “I’m going to grill the politician about their controversial statements during the press conference.”

2. Probe

To probe means to ask probing questions or dig deeper into a topic or issue. This term is often used to describe a thorough and detailed line of questioning.

For instance, a therapist might say, “I’m going to probe deeper into your childhood experiences to understand your current behavior.”
During an interview, a journalist might probe the interviewee by asking, “Can you provide more details about your involvement in the scandal?”
A curious person might ask, “Can I probe you with some questions about your job?”

3. Interrogate

To interrogate someone means to question them formally, often in a professional or legal setting. This term is commonly associated with police or military interrogations.

For example, a detective might say, “We need to interrogate the suspect to gather more evidence.”
During a trial, a lawyer might interrogate a witness by asking, “Where were you on the night of the crime?”
A military officer might say, “We will interrogate the captured enemy soldier to gather intelligence.”

4. Quiz

To quiz someone means to ask them a series of questions, often to test their knowledge or understanding of a particular subject. This term is commonly used in educational or quiz show contexts.

For instance, a teacher might say, “I’m going to quiz you on the material we covered in class.”
During a trivia night, the host might quiz the participants with questions from various categories.
A parent might quiz their child on their spelling words before a test.

5. Plead the fifth

To plead the fifth means to refuse to answer a question, often in a legal setting, in order to avoid self-incrimination. This term comes from the Fifth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

For example, a witness might say, “I’m going to plead the fifth because answering that question could implicate me.”
During a trial, a defense attorney might advise their client to plead the fifth if a question could potentially harm their case.
A person might jokingly say, “I’m going to plead the fifth on that one” when asked a personal or embarrassing question.

6. Pump

To ask someone a series of intense or probing questions in order to gather information or get to the truth of a matter. “Pump” is a slang term often used to describe this type of questioning.

For example, a detective might pump a suspect for information during an interrogation.
In a job interview, an employer might pump a candidate for details about their previous work experience.
A journalist might pump a source for insider information on a breaking news story.

7. Inquire

To ask multiple people for information or advice about a particular topic. “Inquire” is a more formal term for this type of questioning.

For instance, if you’re looking for a good restaurant, you might inquire with friends or family for recommendations.
A student might inquire with their professor about the requirements for a research paper.
If you’re planning a trip, you might inquire at a travel agency for the best deals.

8. Pick someone’s brain

To ask someone a lot of questions in order to gain insight or knowledge about a specific subject. “Pick someone’s brain” is a colloquial phrase used to describe this type of questioning.

For example, a student might pick a professor’s brain to better understand a complex concept.
A journalist might pick a celebrity’s brain to get exclusive information for an interview.
A young entrepreneur might pick the brain of a successful business owner for advice on starting their own company.

9. Hit someone with questions

To ask someone a barrage of questions in quick succession, often with the intention of catching them off guard or overwhelming them. “Hit someone with questions” is a slang phrase commonly used to describe this type of questioning.

For instance, a lawyer might hit a witness with questions during a trial to challenge their credibility.
In an interview, a journalist might hit a politician with tough questions to hold them accountable.
During a press conference, reporters might hit a celebrity with questions about their personal life.

10. Cross-examine

To question someone, especially in a formal setting such as a courtroom, in a thorough and rigorous manner in order to test their testimony or credibility. “Cross-examine” is a legal term often used to describe this type of questioning.

For example, a defense attorney might cross-examine a witness to uncover inconsistencies in their story.
In a debate, one debater might cross-examine their opponent to challenge their arguments.
During a hearing, a judge might cross-examine a witness to determine the truth of a matter.

11. Grilling

When someone is subjected to intense questioning in order to obtain information or answers. It can be done in a formal or informal setting.

For example, during a police interrogation, a detective might say, “We’re going to start grilling the suspect to get the truth.”
In a job interview, an employer might ask, “Are you ready for the grilling we’re about to give you?”
A friend might joke, “I hope you’re prepared for the grilling I’m going to give you about your new relationship.”

12. Ask around

To ask multiple people for information or opinions on a specific topic. It involves reaching out to different individuals to gather knowledge or insights.

For instance, if someone is looking for a good restaurant, they might say, “I’ll ask around and see if anyone has any recommendations.”
A student might ask around to find out which professor gives the easiest exams.
If someone is trying to find a lost item, they might ask around the neighborhood to see if anyone has seen it.

13. Query

A formal or technical term for a question or inquiry. It is often used in professional or academic settings.

For example, a student might ask their teacher, “Can I make a query about this assignment?”
In a business meeting, someone might say, “I have a query regarding the budget projections.”
A researcher might write, “The study aims to answer the following query: Does exercise improve cognitive function?”

14. Press

To ask someone a series of questions in a persistent or aggressive manner, often with the intention of obtaining specific information or uncovering the truth.

For instance, a reporter might press a politician for answers during a press conference.
In a courtroom, a lawyer might press a witness to reveal crucial information.
A concerned parent might press their child for details about their whereabouts.

15. Put someone on the spot

To place someone in a situation where they are forced to answer a question or make a decision, often in front of others. It can make someone feel uncomfortable or pressured.

For example, during a meeting, a boss might put an employee on the spot by asking them to explain a mistake.
In a game show, the host might put a contestant on the spot by asking them a difficult trivia question.
A friend might put someone on the spot by asking them to choose between two options in a social situation.

16. Roast

When you “roast” someone, you are asking them a series of questions in a playful or mocking way. This term is often used in a lighthearted or humorous context.

For example, “I roasted my friend about their fashion choices and they couldn’t stop laughing.”
In a comedy show, a comedian might say, “I love roasting the audience and getting them involved in the act.”
A group of friends might playfully roast each other by asking funny or embarrassing questions.

17. Pump for information

When you “pump someone for information,” you are asking them a lot of questions in order to get more details or insights. This term is often used when someone is trying to gather information or uncover the truth.

For instance, “I pumped my coworker for information about the new project.”
During an investigation, a detective might pump a suspect for information.
A journalist might pump a source for information in order to write an article.

18. Fire questions

When you “fire questions” at someone, you are asking a series of questions rapidly or aggressively. This term is often used when someone is being questioned intensely or interrogated.

For example, “The reporter fired questions at the politician during the press conference.”
In a police investigation, an officer might fire questions at a suspect to try to get a confession.
During a heated argument, one person might fire questions at the other to challenge their statements.

19. Inquisition

An “inquisition” refers to a period of intense questioning or interrogation. This term is often used to describe a formal or official investigation.

For instance, “The suspect was subjected to an intense inquisition by the police.”
In a courtroom, a lawyer might conduct an inquisition of a witness to gather evidence.
A journalist might face an inquisition from their editor about their sources and research.

20. Suss out

When you “suss out” something, you are asking questions or investigating in order to figure something out. This term is often used when someone is trying to gather information or understand a situation.

For example, “I need to suss out the details of the plan before making a decision.”
When meeting someone new, you might suss them out by asking them questions about their interests and background.
In a mystery novel, the detective might suss out the truth by asking questions and gathering clues.

21. Throw someone a curveball

This phrase is often used to describe a situation where someone is caught off guard or faced with a challenging question.

For example, during a job interview, an interviewer might throw a candidate a curveball by asking a unique or unexpected question.
In a debate, one participant might throw their opponent a curveball by asking a question that challenges their argument.
A teacher might throw their students a curveball by asking a question that requires critical thinking and problem-solving skills.

22. Ask for the 411

This phrase is a slang way of asking someone to provide information or give an update on a particular topic.

For instance, if someone is talking about a party and you want to know more, you might ask, “Can you give me the 411 on the party?”
In a conversation about a recent news event, someone might say, “I heard about that, but I need the 411. What really happened?”
If someone is talking about a new restaurant in town, you might ask, “I’m curious about that place. Can you give me the 411?”

23. Riddle

A riddle is a type of question or statement that is designed to be challenging and often requires creative thinking to solve.

For example, “I speak without a mouth and hear without ears. I have no body, but I come alive with wind. What am I?” This is a riddle that requires the listener to think about the concept of sound and how it can be created.
In a game of riddles, one person might say, “I can fly without wings. I can cry without eyes. Wherever I go, darkness follows me. What am I?”
Riddles are often used as a form of entertainment or as a way to challenge someone’s problem-solving abilities.

24. Plead

To plead is to make a sincere and emotional request for something, often in a desperate or urgent manner.

For instance, if someone is in trouble and needs help, they might plead with others to assist them.
In a court of law, a lawyer might plead with the judge to consider a certain argument or to show leniency towards their client.
A person might plead with their partner to forgive them after making a mistake or hurting their feelings.

25. Investigate

To investigate means to carefully examine or inquire into something in order to uncover facts or information.

For example, if a crime has been committed, the police will investigate the scene to gather evidence and identify potential suspects.
In a scientific study, researchers might investigate a particular phenomenon to understand its causes and effects.
A journalist might investigate a story to uncover the truth and report it to the public.

26. Ponder

To think about something carefully or deeply, often with a sense of uncertainty or curiosity.

For example, “I need to ponder this decision before I make up my mind.”
A person might say, “I’ve been pondering the meaning of life lately.”
In a conversation about a complex problem, someone might say, “Let’s ponder the possible solutions before making a decision.”

27. Wonder

To have a sense of curiosity or doubt about something and want to know more.

For instance, “I wonder what the weather will be like tomorrow.”
A person might ask, “I wonder why she didn’t show up to the party.”
In a discussion about the universe, someone might ponder, “I wonder if there are other intelligent life forms out there.”

28. Scrutinize

To examine or inspect something carefully and in detail, often with a critical eye.

For example, “The detective scrutinized the crime scene for any clues.”
A person might say, “I need to scrutinize the contract before signing it.”
In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might argue, “We need to scrutinize the evidence before jumping to conclusions.”

29. Challenge

To question or doubt the validity, truth, or correctness of something.

For instance, “I challenge the accuracy of your statement.”
A person might say, “I challenge you to prove your point.”
In a debate, someone might challenge their opponent’s argument by saying, “I challenge the logic of your reasoning.”

30. Doubt

To have uncertainty or lack of belief in something.

For example, “I doubt that he will show up on time.”
A person might say, “I doubt the accuracy of that information.”
In a discussion about a controversial topic, someone might express doubt by saying, “I highly doubt that claim is true.”

31. Interpose

To interject or insert oneself into a conversation or situation in order to ask a question or express an opinion.

For instance, during a heated debate, someone might interpose and ask, “Can you clarify your point?”
In a group discussion, a participant might interpose with, “I have a question about what you just said.”
A curious listener might interpose and say, “Sorry to interrupt, but could you explain that in more detail?”

32. Examine

To closely analyze or investigate something in order to understand it better or find answers.

For example, a detective might examine a crime scene for evidence.
During a research project, a scientist might examine data to draw conclusions.
A teacher might ask students to examine a text and identify its key themes.

33. Delve

To explore or investigate a subject matter thoroughly and extensively, often in search of hidden information or insights.

For instance, a journalist might delve into a political scandal to uncover the truth.
A historian might delve into archives to find primary sources for their research.
A curious individual might delve into a philosophical question to gain a deeper understanding.