Definition of «could care less»

Could care less is a sarcastic or ironic phrase used to emphasize that someone does not care at all about a particular topic, person, or situation. Despite its literal meaning suggesting that some care remains, the phrase is almost always deployed to convey the opposite—complete indifference or disdain. Its usage is deeply embedded in American English internet slang, often appearing in online arguments, memes, or casual conversations to dismiss someone or something as unworthy of attention. The tone is typically blunt, dismissive, or even hostile, depending on the context. The phrase is frequently contrasted with its grammatically correct counterpart, "couldn’t care less," but its intentional misuse has become a hallmark of informal, expressive communication.