When it's okay to say "rhetorical":
* When it's clearly a rhetorical question: If someone asks a question they don't actually expect an answer to, you can use "rhetorical" to acknowledge that. For example, "You're asking me if I want to live a happy life? That's a rhetorical question, of course I do!"
* When you're analyzing language: If you're discussing communication techniques or literature, using "rhetorical" is perfectly fine.
* In a playful way: Sometimes, you might use "rhetorical" jokingly to point out a question that seems obvious.
When it might be considered rude:
* When it dismisses someone's question: If someone genuinely asks a question, saying "That's rhetorical" can feel dismissive and imply they're being silly.
* When you're being condescending: Using "rhetorical" to imply someone is stupid or doesn't understand basic logic can come across as rude and condescending.
* When it's unnecessary: If the question is clearly rhetorical, it might be better to just acknowledge it without explicitly saying "rhetorical".
Alternatives to "rhetorical":
* "You're not really expecting an answer to that, are you?"
* "That's a good question, but..."
* "I think that's a bit of a trick question!"
The best approach:
Be mindful of the context and the person you're talking to. If you're unsure, err on the side of caution and choose a different word or phrase.