> "I could care less"

Do people really say this? Is it exclusive? I've only heard the inverse: "I couldn't care less".

Edit: genuine question. Please explain downvotes!

I assumed it was an American thing. I've never heard anyone on this side of the Atlantic say it – even though Americanisms are being adopted more by the younger generations who are more influenced by online culture.

People really say this ("I could care less") to express that they do not care at all. I've seen it happen here on this site. Calling out the sheer absurdity of it, even in a respectful way, is not universally well-received. Unfortunately, I could care less about this, as it sounds very grating to me.

I try to remember that I ain't got no problem with other "illogical" uses of negation and could this one in a similar light, but it's more easily said than done.

People really do say this, among other curious expressions that have fallen into common use.

You're being down voted for nit picking language.

I hear this expression said with the incorrect "could" more often than than with the correct "couldn't." I attribute this to one of the following:

- the speaker is using wry sarcasm, although the inflection is usually wrong.

- the speaker actually does care a bit.

- it's easier to say "could" or it's habit.

I try not to be a pedant about this, but often fall. Yeah, I'm fun at parties.

They don’t explain the downvotes, but here are some discussions of the expression:

https://www.merriam-webster.com/grammar/could-couldnt-care-l...

https://www.britannica.com/dictionary/eb/qa/I-COULDN-T-care-...

https://www.vocabulary.com/articles/pardon-the-expression/i-...

Downvotes are likely coming from the fact that this comment is quite off topic / doesn't reply to the substance of the comment you are replying to.

While it's often not helpful for folks to point out that something is a quick internet search away, performing one is usually best before going off topic. Doing so would have resulted in the answer to your question pretty quick.