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Master the use of this phrase and how to respond like a native speaker
When chatting with friends, reading stories, or watching films, you may come across the expression, “What are you talking about?” This idiomatic phrase typically conveys surprise or disapproval about something someone has just said. It’s also used when you’re puzzled and want someone to clarify what they meant. In this article, we’ll explore the meaning of this phrase, the right situations to use it, and how to respond appropriately. Keep reading for more details!
Quick Definition of “What Are You Talking About?”
“What are you talking about?” is an informal English expression used to show that you’re either shocked or upset by something someone just said. It can also indicate that you’re confused by their words and want them to clarify. For instance, “The dishes aren’t clean? What are you talking about? I just cleaned them!”
Steps
Meanings & Examples of “What Are You Talking About?”
“What are you talking about?” conveys surprise, frustration, or disbelief. This widely used idiomatic phrase indicates that you’re shocked or upset by something someone just said. You might say this when you hear unexpected news or when someone tells you something you believe isn’t true.
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Them: “Joe told me he’s coming to the party.”
You: “What are you talking about? I told him yesterday that he wasn’t invited!” -
Them: “I can’t believe you forgot my birthday.”
You: “What are you talking about? That’s not true! I sent you a text this morning!”
“What are you talking about?” is a way to ask for clarification when you’re confused. The phrase can also be used literally when you don’t understand what someone is saying. If their words seem confusing, illogical, or contradictory, you might ask them to explain further.
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Them: “He said I could do it if I did that thing for him.”
You: “Sorry, what are you talking about? Who is ‘he’ and what exactly does he want you to do?” -
Them: “If it takes 5 hours to reach Selena’s house and we leave at 7 am, we’ll get there at 2 pm.”
You: “What are you talking about? Shouldn’t we arrive at 12 pm? Am I missing something?”
“What are you talking about?” can also be used to join a conversation. Another way to use this phrase is when you want to join an ongoing conversation. It’s a casual way of asking what others are discussing, often when you approach a group at an event or party and want to engage in their discussion.
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Them: “And that’s how I ended up at a party with Taylor Swift!”
You: “Sorry to interrupt, but what are you talking about? I’d love to hear the full story!” -
Them: “I gave that book 5 stars. It’s definitely the best book I’ve read this year!”
You: “Hey! What are you guys talking about? Mind if I join in?”
When is it appropriate to use “What Are You Talking About?”
Use this expression in informal conversations with close friends and family. “What are you talking about?” is an informal phrase, so it's best reserved for casual exchanges rather than formal or professional settings. It’s perfect when chatting with friends, family, or others you’re familiar with.
- While the phrase isn’t inherently rude, it might sound a bit blunt when used to express surprise or displeasure. Therefore, it’s most suitable for laid-back situations.
How to Respond to “What Are You Talking About?”
Provide clarification if someone seems confused or upset. When someone asks, “What are you talking about?” they might not have understood your point or could be reacting with surprise or disappointment to something you said. So, take a moment to calm down and explain your words more clearly. You might want to restate your message or elaborate further.
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If they didn’t catch your message, try speaking more clearly and at a slower pace, enunciating each word.
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You: “The dog is ready, so I’ll be home late.”
Them: “What are you talking about? Are you talking about Poppy or Rose?”
You: “Sorry for the mix-up! I meant to say that I’m picking up Poppy from the groomers later.”
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You: “The dog is ready, so I’ll be home late.”
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If they’re shocked or upset by your words, stay calm and clarify your meaning. Listen carefully and show empathy by acknowledging their feelings. If you said something that was hurtful or wrong, don’t hesitate to apologize.
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You: “So, I heard DeAngelo isn’t coming over tomorrow.”
Them: “What are you talking about? DeAngelo promised he’d help me move.”
You: “I’m really sorry, this must be frustrating. All I know is he texted me saying an emergency came up and he’ll be out of town.”
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You: “So, I heard DeAngelo isn’t coming over tomorrow.”
Is “What Are You Talking About?” grammatically correct?
Yes, “What are you talking about?” is grammatically correct. Although it's an informal, idiomatic phrase, it follows the rules of grammar and is perfectly fine for casual conversations or even in texts and online messages.
- “About what are you talking?” is also grammatically valid and carries the same meaning, but it’s not commonly used by native speakers. It’s a great example of the difference between prescriptive and descriptive grammar: while “About what are you talking?” adheres to traditional grammar rules (prescriptive), “What are you talking about?” is the version people actually use in everyday speech (descriptive).
Other Similar Expressions
Here are some other phrases that convey similar meanings and their explanations:
- “What are you saying?” This expression also conveys confusion and is used to ask someone to explain what they mean more clearly.
- “What do you mean?” This phrase indicates that you didn’t fully understand what was said and is a request for further clarification.
- “Excuse me?” A polite phrase used when you didn’t hear or understand what was said. It can also be used in a more confrontational way to challenge something rude, incorrect, or offensive.
- “I beg your pardon?” Similar to “Excuse me?”, this phrase is used to ask for clarification or to express disagreement with something said.
- “What was that?” This is an informal phrase indicating that you didn’t catch what someone just said and would like them to repeat it.
- “Say what?” A slang version of “What did you say?” used to express confusion or surprise about something someone has said.
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To emphasize shock, confusion, or frustration, people may say phrases like, “What are you even talking about?” or “What the hell are you talking about?” Alternatively, some may say “What the f*ck are you talking about?”
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“WAYTA” is a shorthand for “What are you talking about?” and is commonly used in texting or on social media platforms.
