Explanation of "Care a Hang"
Definition: The phrase "care a hang" means to show no concern or interest in something. It is often used in the negative form, meaning that when someone says they "don't care a hang," it indicates that they really don't care at all about a situation or issue.
Usage Instructions
Always used in the negative form: You will typically hear it as "I don't care a hang" or "She doesn't care a hang."
Informal: This phrase is informal and more commonly used in spoken English than in formal writing.
Examples
Advanced Usage
In more advanced contexts, you might encounter variations of this phrase, such as "not care a fig" or "not care a jot," which convey similar meanings of indifference.
Word Variants
Care: The verb form is "to care," which means to have concern or interest in something.
Hang: In this context, "hang" does not have a standalone meaning but is part of the idiomatic expression.
Different Meaning
While "care a hang" specifically refers to indifference, the verb "care" alone can have a positive meaning (to have concern or affection for someone or something).
Synonyms
Don't care: A more straightforward expression of indifference.
Don't give a hoot: Another informal way to express not caring.
Don't give a damn: Similar to "don’t care a hang," indicating strong indifference.
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs
"Not give a fig": Similar to "care a hang," meaning to not care at all.
"Give a hoot": The opposite of "care a hang"; to care or be concerned.
Summary
In summary, "care a hang" is an informal expression used to indicate that someone has no concern or interest in something, primarily used in negative contexts.