Author Topic: I could care less (Read 1250 times)

ravells · « **on:** June 10, 2004, 11:04:34 PM »

Sorry a little pet peeve of mine. In the UK, it's I couldn't care less, or could not care less....... ie it is so insignificant you could not care less.

Where does this 'could care less' come from? I've seen it at least three times and all from American posters. Do you use the term differently?

Ravs

Sandman · « **Reply #1 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:05:52 PM »

They are not using the term correctly.

It's not quite as bad as, "for all intensive purposes."

SOB · « **Reply #2 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:06:00 PM »

Not really, we're just lazy. Could has less letters than couldn't. Damn, i'm gonna go take a nap now.

SOB · « **Reply #3 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:06:36 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Sandman
It's not quite as bad as, "for all intensive purposes."

or "it's a mute point"

ravells · « **Reply #4 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:08:22 PM »

oh god, don't get me on the 'moot point' thing.

Ravs

AKIron · « **Reply #5 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:11:42 PM »

I always wondered about the "could care less" thing too. I wondered if perhaps there was originally an implication that I could care less, but not much, that was at some point lost. Otherwise, I'm with you, makes no cents.

ravells · « **Reply #6 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:12:40 PM »

lol......arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrgh!

Captain Virgil Hilts · « **Reply #7 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:13:10 PM »

Yeah, it's funny isn't it? I just ignore it. If you took the time
to point out those errors and try to teach them better, you'd spend your whole life doing it. Just laugh and move on.

ravells · « **Reply #8 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:15:48 PM »

Do you know, one of the best books on language usage and abusage that has ever been written is the 'Holt's Handbook', it's an absolute work of art and written by Americans - puts the English to shame in terms of how to write properly in the English language.

Why do so few Americans read it? it's on the net!

Ravs

Sandman · « **Reply #9 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:20:23 PM »

Ahem... it's the "Holt Handbook".

ravells · « **Reply #10 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:21:53 PM »

F*uck off, smart arse.

Ravs

Sandman · « **Reply #11 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:23:15 PM »

Can dish it out but can't take it, eh?

ravells · « **Reply #12 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:23:58 PM »

Too bloody, right!

Go on....split an infinitive...I.........dare you

Ravs

Sandman · « **Reply #13 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:26:23 PM »

I'm going to quit while I'm ahead.

rpm · « **Reply #14 on:** June 10, 2004, 11:26:57 PM »

Quote

Originally posted by Sandman
They are not using the term correctly.

It's not quite as bad as, "for all intensive purposes."

"all intents and purposes"