Question 1

Why is бред in the nominative case after за instead of the accusative or instrumental?

Accepted Answer

In the fixed exclamatory phrase что за (meaning "what a" or "what kind of"), the noun that follows is always in the nominative case. The word за here acts as a particle rather than a standard preposition, so it doesn't force the noun into a different case. Here, it creates the exclamation "What nonsense!"

Question 2

Why does the sentence use both этот (this) and ваш (your) together? Isn't one enough?

Accepted Answer

Using a demonstrative pronoun alongside a possessive pronoun (этот ваш, literally "this your") is a very common colloquial pattern in Russian. It usually adds a layer of irony, dismissiveness, or slight annoyance toward something the listener likes or associates with. It translates well to the English phrase "this [noun] of yours."

Question 3

What is the literal meaning of бред?

Accepted Answer

Бред literally refers to "delirium" or "ravings" (such as from a high fever or psychiatric condition). In everyday speech, however, it is heavily used as a slangy way to say "nonsense," "rubbish," or "bullshit." Что за бред! is one of the most natural ways to express disbelief at something absurd.

Question 4

Could I change the word order to Этот ваш авангард — что за бред!?

Accepted Answer

Grammatically yes, but the original word order is much more natural for an exclamation. By putting Что за бред at the very beginning of the sentence, the speaker immediately establishes a strong emotional tone (indignation or disbelief). The subject they are criticizing (этот ваш авангард) is tacked on afterward to clarify what exactly they are reacting to.

Что за бред этот ваш авангард!

Breakdown of Что за бред этот ваш авангард!

Questions & Answers about Что за бред этот ваш авангард!

Learn Что за бред этот ваш авангард and more in Russian