does なんだこれは specifically have a bad connotation?


I heard this and wasn't sure if it had a negative meaning or not. Does the
phrase always indicate irritation or not necessarily? I'm a bit confused since
some people say it's just an informal tone between friends, and some say it's
said due to frustration? Can anyone clarify please? Thanks!




The word order conveys some meaning.

Normally you would say: それはなんですか？

By putting なんだ at the beginning it conveys the idea of surprise (either good
or bad). Not being polite-speech also comes up as rougher or more direct (like
saying something crudely without thinking about how you say it).

I guess it depends on the tone similarly to the english "what is this?". But
surely you got "surprise + informal" for sure.

