Contentious Subjects Guaranteed to Stimulate Lively Discussion (139 Items)
Controversy sparks curiosity, igniting those juicy debates whether it's at a gathering, online, or over a casual cup of coffee. Diving into the deep end with bold questions can spark learning, challenge perspectives, and spark laughter. Here's a list of 139 funny yet controversial topics that'll keep the conversation flowing.
Proceed With Caution
These questions might stray from the politically correct path and may even rile some folks up, but they'll sure as heck bring the chat to life!
- Ever fancy yourself as a dictator for a week? Any reasons, my friend?
- Blondes, brunettes, or redheads - who's smarter? Care to argue your point?
- Date rejections based on first names? Last names? Pffft, did that ever happen to you?
- Got preferences between YouTube and TikTok followers?
- Scored a smokin' hot bod from an ugly partner? Spill the juice!
- Which do you prefer, oral or the real deal? That's private, ain't it?
- Ever had sexy dreams about kin? Yikes, let's not go there!
- Bestiality films - ever watched 'em? Down for a little animals- gone-wild action?
- Which country has the dumbest citizens according to you?
- Tried food as a pleasure tool? Care to share your chosen snack?
- Ever made a move on a relative as a kid? Cousin, sibling, auntie - oh my!
- Bathing suit etiquette in public - bare-ass naked or keep the underwear on?
- Single parent, teenage kid's attractive friend swoops in - what now?
- Age limit for dating? For fantasizing? The debate never ends, huh?
- Fart in front of your date after how long? And why did that hilarious question pop up?
- Breath or body odor - the bigger sin when it comes to romance?
- Fancy women with dogs in purses? Weird or fetching?
- Ever let a dog under the covers? Morning cuddles, anyone?
- Dog's private area licking - you're laying there, and it hits you. Thoughts?
- Baby grab from the hospital. Hot or not? But what about your own kiddo?
- Get $10 million for sibling action - would you? Say it ain't so!
- Passing gas mid-coitus - yep, been there, done that!
- Had explosive diarrhea on a first date? Ever get a second one?
- Strongest curse word you consider offensive?
- Hate tattoos, but love the person rocking theirs. Can you overlook that?
- Catch your partner smoke secretly. Whatcha gonna do?
Ladies
We try to be all enlightened but, let's face it, there are some things only women can relate to.
- Brazilian or bushy down there?
- Man with huge brain or manhood - choice, please!
- Sexiest male celeb over 65?
- Touching oneself above the clothes - still counts as masturbation, don't ya think?
- Ever worn a sock as a makeshift penis?
- Fancy yourself as a hottie if you were a man?
- Found a priest attractive?
- $1,000 to streak in a period - would you dare?
Gentlemen
Oh, men, you can be such complex creatures. Let's ponder on these gender-centric questions.
- Wax off your entire body for a woman? Go on then!
- Boobs or brains - which gets your motor running?
- Period sex - gross or "sex is sex"? The eternal debate...
- Sexiest female celeb over 65 - let the games begin!
- Ever wondered if a nun has a hot body hidden under her habit?
- $1,000 on public streaking - would you?
Far-Fetched Fantasies
These questions are out there - but they're sure to bring a laugh and spark a debate!
- Become a superhero or supervillain for a week - which one? Pick your superpower!
- Chicken or egg - let's settle it, once and for all!
- Sound in the forest - does it still make one if no one is there to hear?
- Change sexes for a month - what's the first thing you do?
- Redo your childhood - which blunder would you change?
- Life-altering consequences for each decision - connex much?
- Dream job, no training - would you take the leap?
- Reincarnation as an animal - which beast would you be?
- Believer in ghosts? Would you run for the hills if you saw one?
- Proficient musician overnight - which instrument would you pick?
- Smart or good-looking - which trait does your heart desire?
- Robots taking over - a dystopian future or boundless convenience?
- Rank the top 5 things to spend money on if you won the lottery.
- Crime for a fortune - worth it?
- Self-defense killing - is it justifiable or moral?
- Body swap with another person - who do you pick?
- Be a man with childbirth - would you feel the pain?
- Be a great mom with perfect kids or get your pre-kid body back - the ultimate dilemma!
Relationships
The road to finding Mr. or Mrs. Right can be a winding one. These questions will help steer you through romantic turmoil... or maybe not.
- Love at first sight? What quality do you find most attractive?
- The recipe for love - what makes a relationship last?
- Breaking the deal - marriage deal-breakers, anyone?
- Men go through hormonal changes? Let's discuss!
- Trade a month of relationships for your partner's period?
- Sex dreams about friends or family - deserving of a tell or private indulgence?
- Interests matching - are shared hobbies necessary, or does distance make the heart grow fonder?
- Sex before marriage - a necessity or something to improve over time?
- Marriage equal partnership with family?
- Unforgivable sins in a relationship - what would be yours?
- Widowed and remarried - are you up for that round two?
- Tubal ligation or vasectomy - which one makes more sense?
- Age difference in marriage - Pierce and Heidi Bieber, we're looking at you!
- Criminal background checks in relationships - invasive or precautionary?
- Trust - is it given or earned?
- Discover partner's criminal history - what happens next?
Sports
Sporting debates can get pretty heated. These questions will fuel the competitive flame!
- Never tried a new sport - which one catches your fancy?
- Professional wrestling an actual sport? Time to settle the debate!
- American Football, soccer, or golf - which one's your ball game?
- Least favorite sport - it's gotta be out there.
- Missing Olympics sports - let's add some new ones!
- Female athletes in men's leagues - is it logistically possible?
- NFL got too tough on tackles and celebrations - fair or too much?
- The reason behind tennis grunts - and why the heck does it sound obscene?
The Arts
Art and entertainment - always a controversial subject.
- Book or movie first - which one do you roll with?
- Overrated bands - notorious liars!
- Celebrities and real relationships - Fausto Coppi, oh how we miss you!
- Actor, artist, or musician - your road to fame?
- Star Wars or Star Trek - may the debate be with you!
- Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings - wands versus rings!
- Movie or life reflections - there's just something magic about movies.
- Movies setting relationship expectations - guilt trip yet?
- Never-seen movie everyone else has - come on now, where have you been?
Kids
Kids - the future. Thoughts on raising the next generation.
- TV rot the brain or foster creativity?
- Computers for kids - are they positive influences or a hindrance?
- Age for giving kids cell phones - guidelines, anyone?
- Posting pictures of kids on social media - letting the world in, pros or cons?
- Worst-case child safety scenarios - one is worse than the other?
- Age for child to stay home alone - tender age or wait 'til they grow up?
- Babysit younger kids - age requirement and responsibility balance.
- Kid's first job - because everyone should earn their keep.
- Tooth Fairy pay - whatever happened to a quarter?
- Age for child to start dating - discussion continues!
- Age for sex talk - just the right time or too late?
- Teen pregnancy - what's the best strategy?
- Revisiting movie age ratings - is it time for a reevaluation?
- Admit drug use to children - honesty or hiding the truth?
- Friend or disciplinarian - which role is the best for a parent?
The Universe
Controversy in the cosmos? Absolutely!
- Afterlife - well, here's hoping.
- Aliens - where are they, hiding?
- No God or eternal damnation - would change your life?
- Innate morals or fear-driven ethics - which one shapes your actions?
- God or Big Bang - which one really got the ball rolling?
- Pluto - still a planet or not?
- Universe secrets - are you in on the cosmic secrets?
- Little life mirrors - are we living in a dream?
- Extraterrestrial control - are we just puppets?
- Luck - does it exist and play a role in our lives?
- Martian habitation before Earth's demise - hopeful thought, or beyond our current technological capabilities?
- Trash to the moon - an eco-friendly solution?
Miscellaneous
These topics don't fit neatly into a category, but they're still worth a debate.
- Best pizza toppings - bacon and pineapple, do or don't?
- Cockroach in your food - revisit, or forget forever?
- Gluten-free - real deal or just medical jargon?
- Number of drinks for a good drunk - too many drinks before you fall off the wagon?
- Lying on health forms - sneaky business, ain't it?
- Trying marijuana with legalization - worth a go?
- Ditched plans by feigning an emergency - ever done it?
- Secret scandal - what major secret have you kept from someone?
- White lies - exist or just lies in sheep's clothing?
- Harmful thoughts - have you ever wished ill upon someone?
- Karma - does it exist and play a role in your life?
- Dog or cat lover - preferences and key differences.
- Vomit or diarrhea - which one is the real horror?
- Female U.S. President - ready for change and empowerment?
- Politically incorrect thoughts - let's put 'em out there and discuss!
- Stick with parenthood or go back to work - parenting vs. career fulfillment.
- Bullying - roots and solutions.
- Parental involvement in kids' issues - when to step in and let go.
Final Thoughts
With the recent years' news cycles being chaotic as ever, it's essential to remember to lighten up and enjoy life while we can. Laugh a little, debate fiercely, and let these funny, controversial questions serve as a fun distraction on your journey to everywhere.
Stay curious, my friends, and dive into these 139 debate-worthy questions without fear.
Debate enthusiasts, you have your new arsenal of discussion starters. File these down for your next social gathering or friendly debate night!
[1] Dan Loken, "Debunking Strategies: Encouraging Critical Thinking and Functional Rationality" (2015). International Journal of Psychology, Themes and Perspectives Series, [2] Nicole Krause, "151 This or That Questions to Start a Fun Conversation" (2021). Lifehack, [3] Nicole Krause, "43 Questions for Couples to Spark a Deep Conversation" (2021). Lifehack, [4] Nicole Krause, "45 Team Building Questions to Use as Icebreakers at Work" (2022). Lifehack, [5] K. Bialik, "13 Steps to Teach Kids Critical Thinking Skills". Scholastic.com (2013)
These questions may not follow the politically correct path, but they can certainly spark interesting debates. Here are a few that tie into the given topics:
- Upon a change of lifestyle, would you fancy yourself as a dictator for a week? What reasons would you give? (lifestyle, entertainment)
- Are you more interested in general-news entertainment or sports? Why? (general-news, sports, entertainment)
- Blake Lively or Mindy Kaling - who's the smarter actress? (entertainment)
- Do you prefer the New York Yankees or the Los Angeles Lakers? (sports)
- Are there countries with dumb citizens, or is it an unfair assumption? Why do you hold this view? (general-news)
- Ever used food as a pleasure tool? If so, what is your favorite snack? (food, lifestyle)
- Are you more of a dog or cat person when it comes to pets? Key differences? (pets, miscellaneous)
- Is there life on other planets? Explain your reasoning. (universe, miscellaneous)
- Is lying on health forms ethically acceptable? Discuss. (ethics, miscellaneous)
- Do you believe in karma? Does it affect your actions? (spirituality, miscellaneous)