The phrase "What are you talking about?" is typically used in spoken English to express confusion or disbelief, often when the speaker thinks what someone else has said is stupid, wrong, or surprising. It's a way to question or challenge the previous statement, sometimes implying that it doesn't make sense or is not true. The tone and context determine whether it sounds rude or just like a genuine question. It can sometimes sound a bit blunt or rude if not softened by tone or facial expressions. In everyday conversations, people might use various alternatives such as "What do you mean?" or simply "What?" depending on how formal or casual the situation is.
So, when someone asks, "What are you talking about?" they are basically saying, "I don't understand or believe what you just said, could you explain or clarify it?"
