stumper

The conversation grew increasingly heated from there as Carlson launched stumper after stumper made up of basic facts.

In the new book, reader “Josh of Woonsocket, R.I.” poses the potential stumper: “Has humanity produced enough paint to cover the entire land area of the Earth?”

But he couldn’t resist the allure of this scientific stumper.

"I know who I want for all the judges and propositions. But president . . . that's a stumper," Homer says as he stares at the ballot.

Below, some of the many stumpers in an overwhelming year.