The slang term “IDGAF” refers to “I Don’t Give A F.”* It’s a bold and expressive phrase. This phrase is mainly used to show you don’t care about something. With time, the IDGAF phrase has become so popular in pop culture and online chats. It is mainly famous among young people. They feel confident and carefree while using this phrase.
If you want to know IDGAF’s meaning, you are reading the right blog. We are going to explain what it is and where it comes from. Also, we will look at its tone, rudeness, and similar slang words. It may help you understand when it’s okay to use and when it’s fine not to.
What does IDGAF mean?
In simple words, IDGAF is a slang phrase that people use to say they don’t care. Its full form is “I Don’t Give A F.”* This phrase is very common on social media. People use it in chats and in casual talk among friends. By using this phrase, people feel very strong or confident attitude.
Moreover, the tone of IDGAF can change depending on how you use it. Sometimes, it may sound bold. This shows that the person is not afraid to spead their mind. While sometimes, it may sound dismissive. This means the person doesn’t want to be bothered. Also, if the conversation is funny, people might use it in a funny way.
Examples:
- “IDGAF about what people say.” (This is a confident tone)
- “IDGAF, I’m wearing this outfit anyway.” (This is a bold tone)
- “My phone broke again, but IDGAF, I needed a break.” (People may use it in a playful way)
Where does IDGAF come from?
The phrase “I Don’t Give A F”* is in use for many years. But it’s short form became famous in the early 2000s. It happened due to rise of internet chats and texting. Many people started using this phrase online as it was faster to convey what they feel. Also, IDGAF phrase came from music and pop culture. You may know that many rappers used the phrase in their songs. Their aim is to show a bold or carefree attitude.
Using IDGAF can make their songs even more popular worldwide. Overtime, this phrase also appeared in memes and captions. People used it to express a “no worries” attitude about what others think.
Is IDGAF a bad word?
Yes. If you use IDGAF, you are using a bad word. The reason is the “F” in it stands for the swear word “f*.” And this makes the phrase explicit. Also, it is not suitable for polite or formal situations. You express a stronger emotion that says you don’t care.
There are some other phrases like “I don’t care” or “whatever.” When it is compared to these phrases, IDGAF always sounds much harsher. The phrase “I don’t care” may sound calm or casual. But IDGAF gives off a tougher or rude attitude. It is much direct way of saying what’s going on in your brain.
The offensiveness level of this phrase depends on where and how it’s used. For example, if you use it among friends, it might be funny or bold. But if you use it in workplace or school, it may show disrespect. So, it’s fine to use IDGAF if you are in a casual setting. You may need no formal language there.
Is it rude to say IDGAF?
The answer is yes. If you use IDGAF phrase, it is rude or disrespectful. This depends on how and where you use it. Simply, the meaning of IDGAF is “I don’t care at all.” Because of that, it may show a harsh or dismissive tone. If you say IDGAF in a serious conversation, it can make others feel ignored or unimportant.
However, the IDGAF meaning can be changed with tone and context. You just need to use it in casual settings. When you use it among friends, it says you are trying to be funny or confident. For example, you can say IDGAF about what people think of my outfit. This may show self-confidence or freedom.
But when you use IDGAF phrase with elders, it is considered impolite. You may seem rejecting someone’s opinion or feelings. It can hurt them a lot. To avoid giving this attitude, you can use a softer phrase in some places.
In short, IDGAF can sound confident and disrespectful as well. It all depends on who you are talking to and how you are saying it.
Use parental controls to track how your kids interact with their friends
Why is IDGAF popular?
Expresses strong confidence
IDGAF is popular because it expresses strong confidence. When you use it, you are making clear that you are not afraid of others’ opinions. You may feel more power. The thought you may get is “I know who I am.” This is very important in today’s world. People are more likely to feel pressure when they try to please others. And if you use this phrase, you can feel free of this pressure.
Easy and catchy to use
Another reason IDGAF is famous is that it’s simple and easy to type. And people always seek the words that are easy. On social media, many users use abbreviations to save time. Instead of writing the full form, they just type IDGAF. This delivers the same strong message in less letters. Also, it is catchy and people can remember it so easily. This makes it perfect for tweets and captions.
Used in music and pop culture
IDGAF is famous because it is used in music and pop culture. There are many artists that use this phrase in their songs or movies. For example, the artist Dua Lipa used this phrase in hit song named IDGAF. This helped it reach a global audience. The phrase fits perfectly with themes of self respect and not caring about toxic people. This becomes relatable to many people.
Similar slang like IDGAF
Here are some other slang phrases that have meanings close to IDGAF. Each one shows a different level of attitude or emotion, depending on how it’s used.
IDGAD (I don’t give a damn):
This means you don’t care at all, but it’s slightly less harsh than IDGAF.
Example: “IDGAD if they don’t like my opinion.”
IDC (I don’t care):
A softer and more polite way to say you’re not bothered.
Example: “IDC what movie we watch tonight.”
STFU (Shut the F* up):**
A rude way to tell someone to stop talking. It should only be used jokingly with close friends.
Example: “STFU, you’re too funny!” (used playfully)
SMH (Shaking my head):
Used when you’re disappointed or can’t believe something.
Example: “He forgot his wallet again… SMH.”
W/E (Whatever):
A casual way to say you don’t care or want to end a topic.
Example: “W/E, I’m done arguing.”
Couldn’t care less:
Means you absolutely don’t care about something.
Example: “I couldn’t care less about the rumors.”
MYOB (Mind your own business):
Used to tell someone to stop asking personal questions.
Example: “MYOB, it’s not your problem.”
Should kids use IDGAF?
No. Kids should not use IDGAF. If they use this phrase, they give rude attitude to others. IDGAF includes a swear word, which makes it inappropriate. There are chances that kids may hear it online and try to include in their conversations. But still, it’s not a polite word to use in daily conversation.
Using this phrase depends on the situation for teenagers. They can use it with friends for fun, but no ins school or in public places. Hence, IDGAF meaning is giving careless and rude attitude. So, it is not age-appropriate for children. Kids needs to respect others.
Advice on how to monitor kids’ slang use
Talk openly about online language
The very first advice is you need to talk openly about online language with your kids. You should ask them what certain words mean. Instead of scolding your child, you need to try this open communication tip.
This may help you understand their word better. Also, it can let your kids feel comfortable in sharing anything. Once they trust you, they are more likely to ask questions before using any bad word.
Use parental control apps like FlashGet Kids
The next is you should use a parental control app like FlashGet Kids. It can help you monitor chats and app use safely. You can see what kind of slang or phrase your child is exposed to. You don’t even need to invade their privacy too much. With this effective tool, you can set screen limits and check messages. And then, you can guide your child toward safe and respectful communication online.
FAQs
Yes. IDGAF includes the swear word “f,”* which makes it a curse word. It’s not suitable for polite or formal conversations, and it can sound rude to many people.
You can use IDGAF in casual chats with friends when you want to show that you don’t care about something. However, avoid using it at work, in school, or around elders, as it can sound disrespectful.
No. While teenagers use it a lot on social media, adults also use it to express confidence or indifference. Still, it’s mostly seen in informal and online settings.
Yes. Saying IDGAF in formal or professional situations can sound impolite or offensive. It’s better to use softer phrases like “I don’t mind” or “That’s okay.”
Yes. Some similar ones are IDC (I don’t care), IDGAD (I don’t give a damn), W/E (whatever), and MYOB (mind your own business). These express a similar “not caring” feeling but vary in how strong or polite they sound.
