couldn't give a toss

[haynes]

what is the origin of this phrase

[Quizmonster]

The word does not - despite what most people seem to imagine - have any sort of sexual connotation in this phrase. It first appeared in mid-19th century, using 'care' instead of 'give' and all it meant was 'an iota' or 'a small amount'. Basically, all it means, therefore, is: "I don't care at all."

[the_age]

I understand that the phrase originated from "the toss of a coin" - i.e. I care so little that I couldn't even give the toss of a coin.