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Anonymous Posted 10 years ago
Vocabulary

English

What is the origin of the expression "to not give a toss"
  

Top answer

Hi Interesting Possibly it refers to taking a gulp of alcohol - tossing it down one's throat and saying: that's how much I care! Quite possibly, of course, it refers to masturbation There is also the phrase 'it's a toss-up' which means a decision that can be decided by the toss of a coin: not that important The drinking reference seems to be 16th century; the second, according to Etymology Online, is slang from the 1730s; and the third probably only comes in with organised sport - early 19th century Dave

— Dave_anon

  • Hi Interesting Possibly it refers to taking a gulp of alcohol - tossing it down one's throat and saying: that's how much I care!
  • Quite possibly, of course, it refers to masturbation There is also the phrase 'it's a toss-up' which means a decision that can be decided by the toss of a coin: not that important The drinking reference seems to be 16th century; the second, according to Etymology Online, is slang from the 1730s; and the third probably only comes in with organised sport - early 19th century Dave
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5 Answers
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Hi

Interesting

Possibly it refers to taking a gulp of alcohol - tossing it down one's throat and saying: that's how much I care!

Quite possibly, of course, it refers to masturbation

There is also the phrase 'it's a toss-up' which means a decision that can be decided by the toss of a coin: not that important

The drinking reference seems to be 16th centur
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dave_anonQuite possibly, of course, it refers to masturbation
I've always thought "not give a toss" to be slightly vulgar because of this association. I wouldn't know whether it is the true origin though.
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Hi

Yes, nowadays it has that vulgar association and I wouldn't use the phrase

However, in 1560, a person who drank a lot and couldn't care less was called a tosspot (long before the other association). It's interesting how phrases develop in that way

Dave
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AnonymousWhat is the origin of the expression "to not give a toss"
What is the origin of the expression "not to give a toss"?
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Anonymous"not to give a toss"?
Hmm, in this case I think I prefer the original.
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