I could care less about trigonometry.
Okay, we hear it quite often, but it should be "I couldn't care less," not "I could care less."The former indicates an apathy than cannot be exceeded. The latter, however, expresses a certain level of caring by plainly stating that the one could care less than he or she does, but the person does indeed care.
So, on a scale of 0 to 10, their caring is somewhere above a 0 (zero). That person's caring may be at a 4 or 5 or a 2 or even a 1. But, the person still cares, unlike the person who couldn't care less. That person is at the lowest point possible on the caring meter.
In other words, the vast majority of people misuse the expression and wind up stating the opposite of what they'd like to communicate.
I know it's hip to be apathetic, but please don't be so apathetic that you're apathetic about the proper use of expressions of apathy.
Labels: rhetoric
posted by GUNNY @ 05:57
5 comments
5 Comments:
Did you know without trigonometry, there'd be no engineering?
Without lamps, there'd be no light.
There are some people who are born into homes where proper English is not spoken, and they grow up clearly at a disadvantage when it comes to understanding and speaking correctly. Others, who have had good role models (and teachers) in their parents, can tend to adopt sloppy speaking patterns if they either discontinue their formal education, fail to grant their minds healthy exercise, or choose to interact extensively with (and adopt the habits of) friends or colleagues who speak improperly. Some, such as myself, are generally careful, but not always.
Some Christians, with outstanding intelligence, giftedness, and skill, are challenged by God to be patient with the rest of us. God is using us to help them grow in their sanctification. They are the eye, to whom God is teaching them to love the toe.
Well as someone once said, "I don't know and I don't care" ... That's ignorance for you! :ob
Gunny is technically correct, but when a wife tells her husband about one of her problems, neither of these responses by her husband is received well nor advisable, regardless of what level of concern he is attempting to communicate. Or wait, should it be irregardless? Please help Dr. Rhetoric.
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