could care less
Shows minimal interest
Could care less means to be completely indifferent—though logically, the phrase should be "couldn't care less." The negative version makes sense: if you couldn't care less, your caring is already at zero.
Yet "could care less" has become equally common in American speech, conveying the same dismissive attitude: I could care less what they think about my haircut.
Linguists treat it as an idiom where logic has surrendered to usage.
Feeling no worry
- nonchalantCalmly unconcerned
- apatheticWithout feeling or concern
- detachedApart or uninvolved
- disinterestedFree from personal stakes
aloof · unmoved · unresponsive · impassive · blasé · insouciant · unbothered · lackadaisical
Expressing contrary meaning
- sardonicGrimly mocking
- tongue-in-cheekHumorously not meant literally
- snarkCutting, mocking commentary
- facetiousHumorously inappropriate or glib
mocking · cynical · biting · cutting · dry · deadpan · eye-roll · satirical
Scornful disregard
- contemptDisdainful disregard
- scornHostile dismissive feeling
- condescensionDemeaning air of superiority
- disregardWillful lack of attention
brush-off · snub · disrespect · disparagement · antipathy · aversion · cold-shoulder · rebuff
unconcerned
Feeling no worry
- nonchalantCalmly unconcerned
- apatheticWithout feeling or concern
- detachedApart or uninvolved
disinterested · aloof · unmoved · unresponsive · impassive · blasé · insouciant · unbothered · lackadaisical · phlegmatic
ironic
Expressing contrary meaning
- sardonicGrimly mocking
- tongue-in-cheekHumorously not meant literally
- snarkCutting, mocking commentary
facetious · mocking · cynical · biting · cutting · dry · deadpan · eye-roll · satirical · flippant
disdain
Scornful disregard
- contemptDisdainful disregard
- scornHostile dismissive feeling
- condescensionDemeaning air of superiority
disregard · brush-off · snub · disrespect · disparagement · antipathy · aversion · cold-shoulder · rebuff · slight
- indifferenceapathy, indifference, unconcern, disinterest, nonchalance
- grammar debatesirregardless, ain't, split infinitive, singular they, would of
- misused wordsliterally, irregardless, ironic, disinterested, nauseous
- word errorseggcorn, malapropism, would of, for all intensive purposes, escape goat
- Mangled Idiomsrocket surgery, for all intensive purposes
could care lessgive a damn
Feel genuine concern
take to heart · hang on every word · give a hoot · be bothered · pay attention