- Give a hoot: To care about something (often used in the negative: don't give a hoot). A hoot is the sound an owl makes, used here to mean the smallest bit of care or concern.
- Not give a damn: To not care at all. Damn is used as a minced oath signifying something of negligible value.
- Not give a toss: (Primarily British/Australian) To not care at all. Toss likely refers to the act of tossing a coin (implying chance or indifference) or perhaps masturbation (as in tosser, meaning something worthless or contemptible).
Explanation
Origin
- Give a hoot: American English, mid-20th century. The owl's hoot is used humorously to signify something minimal or insignificant. Often associated with the environmental campaign slogan Give a Hoot, Don't Pollute featuring Woodsy Owl (from 1971), which popularized the positive form.
- Not give a damn: Dates back to the 18th or 19th century. A damn was considered something worthless (e.g., not worth a damn). Military context is sometimes cited (e.g., Rhett Butler's line in Gone With the Wind: Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn.).
- Not give a toss: British English slang, mid-20th century. The exact origin of toss here is debated but relates to indifference or worthlessness.
Synonyms & Related Expressions
Alternatives
Slang/Informal:
- Not give two hoots (Emphasis)
- Not give a rat's ass (Vulgar, US common)
- Not give a monkey's (UK slang)
- DGAF (Acronym for Don't Give A Fuck, common online)
Vulgar/Emphatic:
- Not give a fuck
- Not give a shit
Milder/Formal:
- Be indifferent
- Be unconcerned
- Have no interest in
- It is of no consequence to me.
Situational Appropriateness
- Don't give a hoot: Informal, slightly folksy or humorous. Mildest of the three.
- Don't give a damn: Informal, mildly profane. Widely used but avoid in formal or polite company.
- Don't give a toss: Informal, slang. Primarily UK/Australia. Can be considered mildly vulgar depending on context and listener. Avoid in formal settings.
Misunderstanding Warnings
- Learners might not understand the figurative use of hoot, damn, or toss to mean care or value. Explain they signify a lack of concern.
- The varying levels of profanity/informality should be noted. Damn is stronger than hoot, and toss is regional slang.
Examples
- (Give a hoot negative): Honestly, I don't give a hoot about celebrity gossip.
- (Give a hoot positive, rarer): Does anyone actually give a hoot about these minor policy changes?
- (Not give a damn): He can say what he wants; I don't give a damn.
- (Not give a toss): Whether they come or not, I don't give a toss. (UK/Aus)
Dialogue
Liam: Did you hear they might change the company logo again?
Chloe: Seriously? They just changed it last year.
Liam: I know! People are getting worked up about it online.
Chloe: Honestly, Liam, I don't give a damn. As long as my paycheck clears, they can make the logo a dancing banana for all I care.
Social Media Examples
- Tweet: Politicians arguing again... Honestly, at this point, I barely give a hoot. Just fix the real problems. #politics #indifferent
- Reddit Comment: You can hate on my favorite band all you want, I don't give a damn. Their music speaks to me. #musiclover
- UK Forum Post: He thinks his opinion matters? Mate, nobody gives a toss what he reckons. #rant
Response Patterns
- Agreement: Yeah, me neither., Same here.
- Surprise/Disagreement: Really? I thought you'd be interested., Well, *I* care.
- Acceptance: Okay, fair enough.
Common Follow-up Questions/Actions
After someone expresses indifference:
- Asking why: Why not?, How come?
- Changing the subject.
- Respecting their lack of interest.
After expressing indifference yourself:
- Explaining your reasoning (optional).
- Moving the conversation topic elsewhere.
Conversation Starter
- No. Expresses a lack of interest or care, usually in response to a topic or question.
Intonation
- All are usually said with indifference, dismissal, or sometimes defiance.
- don't give a HOOT: Stress on HOOT.
- don't give a DAMN: Stress on DAMN.
- don't give a TOSS: Stress on TOSS.
Generation Differences
- Don't give a hoot might sound slightly dated or quaint to younger generations, but is understood.
- Don't give a damn is common across many generations.
- Don't give a toss is common in the UK/Aus, used across various age groups there.
Regional Variations
- Give a hoot: Primarily American English.
- Give a damn: Common in most English varieties, perhaps most iconic in American English.
- Give a toss: Predominantly British and Australian English.