0127 Don't give a damn/shit

Explanation

Means I don't care at all.
Expresses complete indifference or lack of concern about something.
Damn is strong; shit is significantly stronger and more vulgar.

Origin

Damn is a mild curse, originally meaning condemnation to hell. Not giving a damn means something isn't even worth that minimal level of consideration or value. Famously used in *Gone with the Wind*: Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.
Shit is a vulgar term for feces, signifying worthlessness. Not giving a shit implies even less concern than not giving a damn, indicating absolute zero care or value assigned to the subject.
Both phrases likely became common in the early-to-mid 20th century.

Alternatives

Slang/Informal:

Not fussed. (UK/Aus, milder, means not bothered)
Whatever. (Can signal indifference, often dismissively or passively)
IDGAF (Initialism for I Don't Give A Fuck, very common online, very strong/vulgar)

Vulgar/Emphatic:

I don't give a flying fuck. (Extremely strong emphasis on indifference)
I don't give two shits. (Emphasizes the lack of caring)

Milder:

It's no concern of mine.
I'm indifferent.
It makes no difference to me.

Situational Appropriateness

Don't give a damn is strong and informal. Avoid in formal/professional contexts.
Don't give a shit is vulgar and very informal. Highly inappropriate for formal settings.
Use depends on the relationship with the listener and the context. Expressing strong indifference can sometimes be perceived as rude or callous.

Misunderstanding Warnings

Learners need to understand the different levels of intensity (damn vs. shit vs. fuck). Using the shit or fuck versions inappropriately can be very offensive.
The phrase signifies complete lack of care, which can be hurtful if the topic *should* matter to the speaker in the listener's view.

Examples

He can say what he wants, I don't give a damn.
Whether they come to the party or not, I honestly don't give a shit.
Do you care if I borrow this pen? Nah, I don't give a damn/shit. (More casual, less intense)

Dialogue

Person A: Aren't you worried about what people will think of your decision?

Person B: Frankly, I don't give a damn what they think. It's my life.

Person A: Okay then.

Person C: Your ex is dating someone new.

Person D: I really don't give a shit. Good for them.

Response Patterns

Acknowledgment: Okay, fair enough. or Wow, really?
Seeking clarification: Why don't you care?
Expressing surprise at the level of indifference.
Moving on, accepting the lack of interest.

Common Follow-up Questions/Actions

After hearing it:

Accept the person's indifference and drop the subject.
Ask why they feel that way (if appropriate).
Express your own feelings if they differ (Well, *I* care!).

After saying it:

Change the subject.
Elaborate on *why* you don't care, if necessary.
Maintain an attitude of indifference.

Conversation Starter

No. It's a statement of personal feeling in response to a situation or question.

Intonation

Typically stressed on damn or shit, and often on don't.
Tone is usually dismissive, indifferent, sometimes defiant or weary. I DON'T give a DAMN/SHIT.
Can be said flatly to emphasize indifference or forcefully to express defiance.

Generation Differences

Don't give a damn is classic, used across generations but perhaps more associated with older ones due to *Gone with the Wind*.
Don't give a shit is common across most adult generations, especially Gen X onwards.
IDGAF is very common among Millennials and Gen Z, particularly online.

Regional Variations

Both damn and shit versions are common in American English.
Damn version is common elsewhere. Shit version also used but UK/Aus have alternatives like couldn't give a toss/monkey's.

Screw that

🎲 Fuck it

[0127] Don't give a damn/shit