- An extremely strong expression used to convey a sense of resignation, recklessness, dismissal, or a decision to proceed despite potential negative consequences.
- Can mean I don't care anymore, Let's just do it, This situation is hopeless/annoying, so I'm abandoning caution/effort.
Explanation
Origin
- Uses fuck as an intensifier expressing strong emotion – in this case, often frustration leading to abandonment of care or constraint.
- It implies a release from obligation, worry, or rules, often with a sense of finality or impulsiveness.
- Became widespread in the latter half of the 20th century.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Whatever. (Can imply resignation/dismissal, milder)
- Let's roll. (Decision to proceed)
- Send it. (Slang for going for something risky/boldly)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Fuck it all. (Broader sense of giving up on everything)
Milder:
- Oh well. (Resignation)
- I give up.
- Let it go.
- Might as well. (Resigned agreement to proceed)
Situational Appropriateness
- Extremely informal and vulgar.
- Highly inappropriate in formal, professional, or polite settings.
- Use reserved for casual situations among people comfortable with very strong language, often in moments of high emotion (frustration, recklessness).
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners must understand the vulgarity. Using it lightly in the wrong context is a major faux pas.
- It doesn't literally mean to have sex with it. It's purely idiomatic.
- The specific meaning (resignation, defiance, impulsivity) depends heavily on context and tone.
Examples
- (Resignation) I've tried fixing this computer for hours. Fuck it, I'm buying a new one.
- (Recklessness/Impulsivity) Should I ask them out? Yeah, fuck it, what have I got to lose?
- (Dismissal) They want another pointless meeting? Fuck it, I'm not going.
- (Giving up) This recipe is too complicated. Fuck it, let's order pizza.
Dialogue
Person A: I can't decide whether to quit my job. It's making me miserable, but the pay is good.
Person B: How long have you been unhappy?
Person A: Months. You know what? Fuck it. I'm handing in my notice tomorrow.
Person B: Wow! Are you serious? Go for it!
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Was gonna eat healthy tonight but... fuck it, pizza time. #treatyourself
- Instagram caption: Debated posting this selfie for ages... then thought, fuck it. Here I am.
- Comment: My code still isn't working after 5 hours. Fuck it, I'm going home.
Response Patterns
- Agreement/Encouragement: Yeah, fuck it! or Do it!
- Caution: Are you sure? or Wait, think about it.
- Questioning: What are you going to do then?
- Shared resignation: I know the feeling. Fuck it.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After hearing it:
- Ask what the person intends to do next.
- Express support or caution regarding their impulsive decision.
- Acknowledge their frustration or resignation.
After saying it:
- Take the impulsive or defiant action.
- Stop working on the frustrating task.
- Explain the new plan (or lack thereof).
- Display a change in attitude (less worried, more reckless, or simply resigned).
Conversation Starter
- No. It's a reaction and declaration of intent or resignation.
Intonation
- Often stressed heavily on Fuck. FUCK it.
- Can be said with a sigh (resignation), determination (impulsivity), or annoyance (dismissal).
- The intonation usually falls at the end, indicating a decision has been made or a point of surrender reached.
Generation Differences
- Very common across generations from Gen X onwards, particularly among Millennials and Gen Z. Its casual use to signal minor resignation (like giving up on a task) is frequent.
Regional Variations
- Extremely common in all major English-speaking regions (US, UK, Aus, NZ, Canada).