devil-may-care

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devil-may-care" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone who is carefree and indifferent to consequences. For example: "He had a devil-may-care attitude toward life, never worrying about the future."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

54 human-written examples

Kidd is himself, and devil-may-care.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Lucky breaks after devil-may-care teebox lunacy!

The Guardian - Sport

As were generations of devil-may-care stars.

The Guardian

See? Now, I'm a devil-may-care rebel.

The Guardian

WILDWOOD never lacks for goofy, devil-may-care wonderment.

The New York Times

It gives him a rebellious, devil-may-care edge.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

The plot of Devil May Care is hardly worth mentioning.

The Guardian - Books

Devil May Care - Sebastian Faulks (Penguin £7.99) 007 versus a villain with a monkey's paw.

The Guardian - Books

This paragraph, exactly halfway through Devil May Care, is where Sebastian Faulks really gets Bond.

The Guardian - Books

The author of Devil May Care, it says, is "Sebastian Faulks writing as Ian Fleming".

The Guardian - Books

That's the sort of devil may care attitude the new owners of F1 will love.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devil-may-care" to describe a character's personality or behavior when they exhibit a carefree and slightly reckless attitude, particularly in situations where caution might be expected.

Common error

Don't use the phrase to justify truly irresponsible or harmful behavior. A "devil-may-care" attitude should imply a charming recklessness, not a complete disregard for the well-being of others.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devil-may-care" primarily functions as an adjective, modifying nouns to describe a quality of recklessness or carefree indifference. Ludwig provides numerous examples where it characterizes attitudes, smiles, or approaches, confirming its adjectival role.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "devil-may-care" is a common adjective phrase used to describe someone with a carefree, reckless, or irresponsible attitude. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. The phrase appears frequently in news and media sources and typically conveys a sense of nonchalance. While widely understood, consider the context when using "devil-may-care", as more neutral alternatives like "carefree" or "nonchalant" may be more appropriate in formal settings. It is important to remember, as noted in writing guidance, that adopting a "devil-may-care" attitude should be interpreted as charming recklessness rather than disregarding the well-being of others. The phrase originates from the idea of not caring about consequences and its usage is high in reputable sources like The Guardian and The New York Times.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

carefree

This is a more general term for lacking worries or responsibilities.

reckless

This emphasizes the disregard for danger or potential negative outcomes.

happy-go-lucky

This suggests an optimistic and easygoing approach to life.

laissez-faire

This implies a deliberate non-interference or hands-off approach.

insouciant

This suggests a lack of concern or worry, often in a stylish way.

nonchalant

This implies a cool and casual indifference.

cavalier

This suggests a dismissive or arrogant disregard for consequences.

rash

This highlights the impulsiveness and lack of forethought.

imprudent

This focuses on the lack of wisdom or good judgment.

heedless

This implies a failure to pay attention to warnings or advice.

FAQs

How can I use "devil-may-care" in a sentence?

You can use "devil-may-care" to describe someone's attitude or behavior. For example, "He approached the challenge with a "devil-may-care" attitude" or "She had a "devil-may-care" smile that captivated everyone".

What are some synonyms for "devil-may-care"?

Synonyms for "devil-may-care" include "carefree", "reckless", "happy-go-lucky", and "insouciant".

Is "devil-may-care" appropriate for formal writing?

While "devil-may-care" is widely understood, it may be considered too informal for some formal writing contexts. Consider using a more neutral synonym like "carefree" or "nonchalant" depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

What's the origin of the expression "devil-may-care"?

The origin of "devil-may-care" is uncertain, but it likely arose from the idea of someone being so carefree that they don't care what the consequences might be, even if the "devil" himself were to take notice.