そんなの (sonnano),　あんなの, (annano) and the like


Several years back, I learned from a free Japanese podcast that referring to
something with 'sonnano' or 'annano' is a way of looking down on it / speaking
of it as an undesirable thing. There have been times when I've heard these
terms used in sentences that sounded like the speaker was talking about
something they found distasteful, but other times when it seemed the speaker
had no real personal opinion on the subject.

Are these terms used to speak of undesirable things _every time_ they are
used? Are there other phrases similar that are used for the same purpose?

Thanks so much in advance for your time and help with my question! *^_^*




「そんなの」etc. is used in the way that you described. It is not very respectful
towards whatever you are referring to or the audience. Usually you will be
considerate of who the audience is. For example, I would only use this when
talking to my close 'buddies' or family but would never use this in a work
setting or speaking to someone I am not close to.

I do want to note that そんなのcan be broken down into そんな の.

そんな, still informal but not necessarily used in situations where you are
speaking of an undesirable thing or talking down. E.g. そんな訳で... So in this
situation you probably won't use this type of speech in a formal setting or to
people that are 目上.

↓

そのような, more formal and used in any situation.

