What does "what are you looking at" mean in Northeast dialect? Why did people say they would be beaten?

In the northeast, there are two ways to provoke with eyes. One is staring at the face (eyes looking straight), and the other is looking sideways (contempt from the corner of the eye). If you feel that the other person despises you and wants to say something, just say, "What are you staring at?" ! It means you look down on me!

If you are asked "What are you staring at" in the northeast, you may have no intention or don't want to fight. You should avoid language contact and wave and shake your head to show that you have no intention. Or learn American movies and spread your hands out, indicating that you have no weapons in your hands. But in any case, you can't take your eyes off each other's faces. Dignity is still very important.