(I) COULD(N'T) CARE LESS.

(I) could(n't) care less.: translation

Inf. It doesn't matter to me. (The

less

bears the heaviest stress in both versions. Despite the apparent contradiction, either reading of this—both the affirmative and negative—usually have the same meaning. The exception would be in a sentence where the

could

[m2]bears the heaviest stress: I COULD

care less, [but I don't.]

.) •

Tom: The rain is coming! The carpet will get wet! Mary: I couldn't care less.

•

Bill: I'm going to go in there and tell off the boss? John: I could care less.