Definition

Verb (idiomatic, informal): To care about something; to be concerned or interested. This phrase is almost exclusively used in the negative form ("don't/doesn't give a hang") to express a complete lack of care or interest.

Usage

This phrase is used to state emphatically that someone does not care at all about a particular person, thing, or situation. It is considered informal and somewhat strong.

Examples

• Negative Form:
  • He doesn't give a hang about what people think of him.
  • I don't give a hang about sports; I'd rather read a book.
  • They said they don't give a hang about the rules.

Advanced Usage

• Grammatical Note: The phrase is non-standard and fixed. You cannot conjugate the verb "give" within the idiom (e.g., you cannot say "He gave a hang" or "He is giving a hang"). It is used with "do/does/did not" + "give a hang."
• Intensifiers: The negative statement can be intensified with adverbs like "really" or "simply."
  • I simply don't give a hang about celebrity gossip.

Variants and Related Words

• Give a hoot: A synonymous informal idiom with identical meaning and usage (e.g., ).
• Give a damn: A synonymous informal idiom, often considered stronger or more vulgar than "give a hang" (e.g., ).
• Care (verb): The standard, neutral verb meaning "to feel interest, concern, or affection."

Synonyms

• Care: (standard)
• Mind: (often in questions/negatives)
• Be concerned: (more formal)

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs/Idioms)

• Not give a fig: Another informal idiom expressing a lack of care.
  • He doesn't give a fig about fashion.
• Couldn't care less: An idiom with a very similar meaning, emphasizing zero concern.
  • I couldn't care less who wins.

Verb

1. show no concern or interest; always used in the negative
   • I don't give a hoot
   • She doesn't give a damn about her job