Dictionary

give a damn en · VERB

Meanings

1. (idiomatic, in the negative, informal, sometimes, vulgar) To be concerned about, have an interest in, to care (about something).
   • Unhappiness where's when I was young / And we didn't give a damn 1994 November 15, “Ode to My Family”, in Dolores O'Riordan (lyrics), Dolores O'Riordan and Noel Hogan (music), No Need to Argue, performed by Dolores O'Riordan:
   • He doesn't give a damn about your child's painting, he's just interested in the gold frame.
   • Call someone who'll listen and might give a damn Maybe one of your sordid affairs But don't you come 'round here handin' me none of your lies Here's a quarter, call someone who cares 1991 May 7, Travis Tritt, “Here's a Quarter (Call Someone Who Cares)”, in It's All About to Change, performed by Travis Tritt:
   • My stepfather loved me as much as he loved his own three sons. I knew how much he wanted to help me and how lacking in financial resources he was. Nothing could erase the image I gained of my real father that day: a carefree, well-to-do man who didn't really give a damn about the hopes and dreams of his firstborn son. 1980, Gerald Ford, “Boyhood—and Beyond”, in A Time to Heal, New York: Berkley Books, →ISBN, page 47:
   • Frankly, my dear, I don't give a damn. 1939 December 15, Sidney Howard, Gone with the Wind, spoken by Rhett Butler (Clark Gable), Selznick International Pictures, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer:
   • Long as I have my clams I don't give a damn about revolution 1970, “Cherrystones”, in Outlaw, performed by Eugene McDaniels:
   • If she actually gave a damn what the law said, she wouldn't have stolen the car in the first place, now would she?

Forms

Synonyms

becare · trouble oneself · reck · care · bother · heed · concern oneself · worry · mind