>>>>>But for some reason, you feel that the 4 words in slavic work better than the 4 words in English?
>>>>
>>>>No, the example was just another attempt to explain the usage of the word. I presume we can drop the matter, having got nowhere - if someone as openminded as you can't see a possible use for the word, then, well, it won't exist. I'm just glad I don't have to translate anything anymore, because I'd run into this on the next corner.
>>>
>>>OK, I've stumbled on an example. ISBN-13:978-0-312-36334-5, page 503:
>>>
>>>"Don't be mad," he said.
>>>"I'm not mad."
>>>"You are."
>>>She turned to him, buttoning her shirt. "Don't tell me what I am."
>>>
>>>There it is. The usage of "what" to mean "kakav" (quality) instead of identity (šta).
>>
>>A more accurate english sentence, oft used in, say, 19th century, but would sound strange nowadays, would be:
>>
>>"Don't tell me what my case is."
>
>Now that's precise... though cute as an expression. As to imprecision: what (not as identity but as a kind) case - suitcase, pillowcase, bedcase, seedcase, bandcase, cardcase, needlecase, kettlecase, notecase, watchcase, clockcase, crankcase, pincase, capcase, slipcase, smearcase, undercase, staircase, doorcase, or showcase?
>
>But this is the usage of "what" to mean quality, not identity or definition. "what am I again?" - "you're mad". I brought this up because last time we discussed this someone (you, Alan or someone else) pointed out that that usage is simply not in use, or something to that effect. So, my question is - does this usage of "what" fall under regular ones, or is it just... the workaround for the lack of word which would mean "kakav"?

You've proved over the years that Serbian is rich in pedantic words for every occasion, and yes, although exhibiting a paucity of expressions in comparison, we manage to get by in English. Yes, we haven't a word for "what" in every case.

What bugs me is when people say "Petrol is dearer than what it was a year ago". Totally unnecessary use of "what" and grammatically sooooo incorrect .

Then again, think of the Latin dative and ablative cases: in, towards, at, away from, above, below, etc. yet the Romans worked out - from the CONTEXT - which was meant. :-)