give a shit

USAGE SUMMARY

'give a shit' is not correct or acceptable in written English.
This phrase is considered vulgar and should be avoided in any formal writing. You can use it informally in speech or text messages with friends or family, but should be avoided in formal writing. Example: *My friend thinks her opinion matters, but I don't give a shit.*.

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Why give a shit?

The New Yorker

Who doesn't give a shit?

The New Yorker

Does anyone give a shit?

The New Yorker

"But you give a shit," I said.

The New Yorker

"Jim, I don't give a shit.

The New Yorker

I don't give a shit about tits.

Independent

She didn't give a shit about me.

The New Yorker

"Comedians don't give a shit.

The Guardian

I couldn't give a shit.

The Guardian

You don't give a shit.

The Guardian

I don't give a shit".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When aiming for emphasis in informal contexts, "give a shit" can be used, but be mindful of your audience and the potential for offense.

Common error

Avoid using "give a shit" in professional emails or academic papers. Its vulgarity undermines credibility and may offend readers.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic verb phrase "give a shit" functions primarily as an expression of concern or, more commonly in its negative form, as an expression of indifference. As Ludwig AI highlights, this phrase and its negative counterpart are often used to express how someone does or does not care about something.

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 "give a shit" is an idiomatic expression used to convey concern, though it is more frequently used in its negative form to express indifference. As Ludwig AI clarifies, this phrase is generally considered vulgar and inappropriate for formal writing but common in informal speech and media. While the phrase is very common, especially within news and media sources, it's critical to consider the audience and context before using it, opting for alternatives like "care about" or "be concerned" in professional settings. Though its frequent appearance might suggest acceptability, remember that formality and professionalism require different language choices.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not give a damn

Similar in meaning and level of vulgarity, but uses a different, slightly softer expletive.

not care at all

Emphasizes complete lack of concern, distancing itself from the vulgarity of the original phrase.

not be bothered

Indicates a lack of willingness to invest effort or attention, implying mild disinterest.

not be concerned

A more formal and polite way of expressing lack of worry or interest.

not think twice about

Shows a lack of consideration or hesitation, suggesting indifference.

not lose sleep over

Highlights the absence of worry or anxiety about something.

not bat an eye

Expresses a lack of surprise or concern, indicating a calm or indifferent reaction.

have no interest in

Directly states a lack of curiosity or engagement with a particular topic or activity.

disregard completely

Stresses the act of ignoring or dismissing something entirely.

remain unfazed

Highlights the ability to stay composed and unaffected by something.

FAQs

What does "give a shit" mean?

The phrase "give a shit" means to care about something, or conversely, "not give a shit" means to not care at all. It is considered vulgar and informal.

What can I say instead of "give a shit" in formal settings?

In formal contexts, use alternatives like "care about", "be concerned with", or "take an interest in".

Is it ever appropriate to use the phrase "give a shit"?

Yes, it's appropriate in informal settings with close friends or family, or when quoted in media. However, consider your audience and the potential for causing offense.

What's the difference between "not give a shit" and "not give a damn"?

The phrases are very similar in meaning and both express a lack of concern. "Not give a damn" is slightly less vulgar and may be more acceptable in some informal situations.