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Meaning & use

not giving a damn

phrase·Advancedinformalvulgar

Last updated

UK/nɒt ˌɡɪvɪŋ ə ˈdæm/
US/nɑːt ˌɡɪvɪŋ ə ˈdæm/
Usage warning: this word is vulgar. It can hurt or insult people. Learn to recognise it, but avoid using it about anyone.

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phraseinformalvulgar

    Not caring at all about something, or refusing to let it worry you.

    Grammar: Used after be or as a verb phrase: 'She isn't giving a damn' or 'He's not giving a damn about it.'

    Patterns

    • not give a damn about something
    • not giving a damn what someone thinks
    • not give a damn whether ...

    He's not giving a damn about the score tonight — he just wants to enjoy the game.

    She kept not giving a damn what the neighbors said and painted her door bright purple.

    I'm tired, but I'm not giving a damn about the mess until tomorrow.

  2. phraseidiominformalvulgar

    Used to say that something does not matter to you at all, often when you are annoyed.

    Grammar: Often stands alone as a short reaction: 'I don't give a damn.'

    Patterns

    • I don't give a damn
    • not give a damn about something

    I don't give a damn if it rains — we're still going.

    They don't give a damn about the rules, and everyone knows it.

Common combinations

not give a damn about something
He doesn't give a damn about the schedule.
not give a damn what someone thinks
She doesn't give a damn what her classmates think.
not give a damn whether ...
I don't give a damn whether they approve.
not give a damn anymore
After all that, I just don't give a damn anymore.
say you don't give a damn
He said he didn't give a damn and walked out.

Synonyms and how they differ

not care less
More neutral and less vulgar, but often used in the fixed phrase 'couldn't care less'.
not care a bit
Softer and more polite; it shows the same lack of interest without the swear word.
be indifferent
Formal and calm; it describes a lack of interest rather than an angry or careless attitude.

Opposites

care deeplybe very concerned

Word family

damn interjection
A swear word used to show anger or annoyance.
damned adjective
Used informally to mean 'very annoying' or as a strong intensifier.

Commonly confused: not giving a damn or not giving a damn about? not giving a damn or don't care?

not giving a damn vs not giving a damn about

Learners sometimes write 'not giving a damn to' — the usual preposition is 'about': 'not giving a damn about the result.'

not giving a damn vs don't care

'Don't care' is neutral and polite; 'don't give a damn' is much stronger, informal, and mildly vulgar.

Practice

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