- A direct, often blunt question demanding clarification.
- Can express genuine confusion, disbelief, disagreement, or annoyance. The meaning heavily depends on tone.
Explanation
Origin
- A straightforward interrogative sentence.
- Its directness makes it a common, sometimes confrontational, way to seek clarification or express incredulity.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- What you on about? (UK/Aus slang)
- WTF are you talking about? / What the fuck...? (Vulgar, expresses strong confusion/disbelief)
- Huh? / Say what?
- You smokin' crack? (Vulgar/Slang, implies the idea is crazy)
Milder/More Polite:
- Sorry, I'm a bit lost.
- Could you clarify what you're referring to?
- I'm not sure I follow.
Expressing Disagreement/Challenge (Directly):
- That makes no sense.
- I completely disagree.
Situational Appropriateness
- Informal. Can be very blunt or aggressive.
- Generally avoid in formal or professional settings unless used very carefully with a clearly non-confrontational tone to express genuine confusion.
- Tone is critical. Can easily escalate conflict if perceived as accusatory.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- The primary issue isn't misunderstanding the words, but misinterpreting or misusing the tone.
- Learners should be cautious using this phrase, as it can easily sound rude or aggressive even if only confusion is intended. Prefacing with Sorry, but... can soften it slightly.
Examples
- (Confused): Person A: Did you remember to bring the flumph? Person B: The flumph? What are you talking about?
- (Annoyed): Person A: You always mess things up. Person B: What are you talking about? I fixed the problem!
- (Disbelieving): Person A: I saw a UFO last night. Person B: What are you talking about? UFOs aren't real.
Dialogue
Scenario 1 (Confusion):
Chris: Make sure you reset the frobnicator before you leave.
Pat: The... what? What are you talking about? We don't have a frobnicator.
Chris: Oh, wait, sorry. Wrong project chat!
Scenario 2 (Annoyance):
Sam: You never listen to my ideas!
Alex: What are you talking about? I literally implemented your suggestion last week!
Sam: That was different...
Social Media Examples
- (Reply to an unclear or outlandish claim): What are you talking about? Source?
- (Reacting to a confusing plot twist summary): Wait, the butler did it? What are you talking about, I thought he died in episode 2!
Response Patterns
- The person asked will usually try to explain or defend their statement.
- I'm talking about [topic].
- Didn't you hear...? / Don't you remember...?
- They might become defensive or annoyed in response to a challenging tone.
- They might clarify a misunderstanding: Oh, sorry, I thought you were talking about...
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After asking What are you talking about?:
- The asker listens to the response, often with skepticism or continued confusion.
After receiving the response:
- The interaction can lead to understanding, argument, or further questioning depending on the context and the nature of the response.
Conversation Starter
- No.
- A reactive question, often signaling a significant disconnect in understanding or agreement.
Intonation
- Highly variable depending on intent.
- Genuine confusion: Puzzled tone, rising intonation. WHAT are you talking about?
- Annoyance/Challenge: Sharper tone, possibly stressed you or falling intonation. What are YOU talking about?!
- Disbelief: Exaggerated, possibly slower delivery. Whaaat are you talking about?
Generation Differences
- Common across generations, but the bluntness might be used more freely in informal peer groups.
Regional Variations
- Universal in English.