a crap about

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a crap about" is not correct in standard written English.
It is often used in informal spoken language to express a lack of interest or concern about something. Example: "I don't give a crap about what they think of me."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Don't give a crap about — ?

The New York Times - Magazine

In the old days, nobody gave a crap about positions.

The New Yorker

"He doesn't give a crap about Alawite anything.

The Guardian - Opinion

Sherman didn't give a crap about Wall Street anymore.

The Guardian - Books

I don't give a crap about any of that.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

There haven't been any actual people, like voters, who give a crap about it.

The New Yorker

I can't afford to give a crap about anything else while I'm playing.

Independent

Why should we give a crap about dealing with HIV globally?

The Guardian

GKN's then boss, Anne Stevens, said shareholders like Elliott did not "give a crap" about the best long-term outcomes.

The Guardian - Business

He doesn't give a crap about your reputation, about your sacrifices, about your plans for the future.

The New York Times - Books

Garland could have built further on that, subverting the idea that she ever gave a crap about humanity.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When writing formally, avoid using the phrase "a crap about". Opt for alternatives like "care less about" or "have no interest in" to maintain a professional tone.

Common error

Using "a crap about" in professional or academic writing can undermine your credibility. Choose more formal expressions like "lack concern for" or "disregard" to ensure your message is well-received.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a crap about" functions as an idiomatic expression indicating a lack of concern or interest. It's typically used as part of a larger phrase, such as "don't give a crap about". As Ludwig AI explains, its use is generally inappropriate in formal contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "a crap about" is an informal idiom used to express a lack of concern or interest. As highlighted by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically incorrect in standard written English and is best suited for casual conversations. While the phrase is commonly found in news and media sources, its use in formal or professional contexts is discouraged. For more appropriate alternatives, consider using phrases like "care less about" or "have no interest in". Remember to choose language that aligns with the formality of your audience and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a damn about

Replaces "crap" with "damn", maintaining a similar level of informality but with a slightly stronger emphasis.

a hoot about

Substitutes "crap" with "hoot", resulting in a more lighthearted and less offensive tone.

a fig about

Replaces "crap" with "fig", offering a more dated and somewhat humorous alternative to express indifference.

a whit about

Substitutes "crap" with "whit", providing a slightly more formal and understated way to indicate a lack of concern.

a jot about

Replaces "crap" with "jot", presenting a less common but equally valid option to convey minimal concern.

anything about

This is a hyperbole: replaces the subject of the sentence with "anything", amplifying the lack of concern about that subject.

a thing about

Replaces "crap" with "thing", generalizing lack of care, altering the nuance.

interest in

More formal. Focuses on the absence of interest rather than a strong aversion.

concern for

Shift towards a more formal register by using noun "concern" instead of a swear word

regard for

Emphasizes a complete absence of respect or consideration.

FAQs

What does "give a crap about" mean?

Giving "a crap about" something means caring about it. Saying you don't give "a crap about" something indicates you don't care or aren't interested in it.

Is it appropriate to use the phrase "give a crap about" in formal writing?

No, the phrase "give a crap about" is considered informal and inappropriate for formal writing. Use alternatives like "care about" or "be concerned about" in such contexts.

What are some alternatives to "I don't give a crap about that"?

You can use alternatives like "I don't care about that", "I'm not interested in that", or "that doesn't concern me".

When is it okay to use the phrase "give a crap about"?

The phrase "give a crap about" is acceptable in casual conversations with friends or in informal writing where a more relaxed tone is appropriate. However, avoid using it in professional or academic settings.