何なんの某なにがし

expression, noun

a certain person; a certain amount

A set phrase used to refer vaguely to an unspecified person or amount, often with a dismissive or humble tone. The meaning depends on context: when referring to a person, it implies 'somebody or other'; when referring to an amount, it implies 'some amount or other'. The phrase is somewhat old-fashioned and literary.

• 何なんの某なにがしという者ものが訪たずねてきたが、名なを聞ききそびれた。

  Somebody or other came to visit, but I missed asking their name.

• 彼かれは何なんの某なにがしの金かねを寄き付ふしたそうだ。

  I heard he donated some amount of money or other.