could or couldn't care less

I use both of them, and don't think much about it.

This topic has been discussed already in one of the old threads. I should've checked it first.

Thank you for the reply, anyway.

My two cents: Couldn't care less makes sense. Could care less does not. It started being widely used about twenty years ago, and it still annoys me every time I hear it.

No, it's not your two cents, 'cause I still care to be honest.

I actually had the same opinion as you. The basic logic behind of those expression should be "I can't be happier" and so, while the former makes sense the other wouldn't.


But here's what CJ said about the incorrect-sounded expression:






Since I am a big fan of him, and he sounds so

CJ is usually precise and accurate.

I agree that CJ's opinions are always worth listening to, and he seems to be neutral on this subject. Other highly respected members, including Clive and khoff, have spoken out against the use of could care less. The normally mild-mannered Clive has gone so far as to suggest that people who say it should be thrown in jail by the language police, or taken out back and beaten.

Blue JayThe normally mild-mannered Clive has gone so far as to suggest that people who say it should be thrown in jail by the language police, or taken out back and beaten.

What is the world coming to? Everyone knows that kind of treatment should be reserved for those who split infinitives.

A few years back, my daughter would have said "Carence?"

Dave

dave_anonA few years back, my daughter would have said "Carence?"Dave

"Talk to the hand."

CJ

CalifJimEveryone knows that kind of treatment should be reserved for those who split infinitives.

To accidentally split an infinitive is not a serious crime, surely? To savagely beat someone for doing so, or to heartlessly throw them in jail, is to unjustly treat them!