Devil-may-care

Meaning

Recklessly carefree.

Usage

Describes a reckless or laissez-faire demeanor.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Adapts from 'the devil may care' meaning even he would not worry.

Used in Renaissance literature and then 20th-century slang.