Thread: I don't give a damn/I give a damn = difference

What is the difference between these two expressions? Do they mean the same?

Thanks.

One is negative and the other is positive.

I don't give a damn - I don't care.
I give a damn - I care.

The second one sounds a bit awkward on its own. Often you will find it used as a kind of exasperated reply.

Smith: You do too much excersise.
Thompson: At least I give a damn about my weight, unlike you.

Smith: Who gives a damn about their weight...
Thompson: I give a damn, damn it!

Thank you. It's clear now.

Yeah, like basusero said, "I give a damn" would really only ever be used to contradict someone's claim that they don't give a damn. It wouldn't really just develop on its own.

Originally Posted by basurero

One is negative and the other is positive.

I don't give a damn - I don't care.
I give a damn - I care.

I think there must be a lot of such expressions in English. Like
1. I dont give a sh*t
2. I dont give a fuсk
and etc...

My sister always says "I don't give a flying fat boy."

I don't give a rat's ass! lol! Pretty much anything you can think of.

"I don't give a flying fat boy!" hahahaha!

hmmm..or:

I don't give a dam.