Not give a tinker's cuss

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Meaning

To care very little or not at all.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to tinkers; 'cuss' for nil, slang by 1870s in a tale for nix. A 1880s 'Punch' uses it for a shrug.

Variants

  • Tinker's cuss

Usage Examples

  • I don't give a tinker's cuss; let it go.
  • Not give a tinker's cuss; off it.
  • Tinker's cuss; don't care.

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