Not give a fig

In expressions like ‘couldn’t give a fig’ or ‘not giving a fig’, the word fig is not, as often supposed, a euphemism for the f word. Since late medieval times, a fig has been synonymous with anything small, valueless or contemptible. The reasoning behind this is now lost to us but the meaning is still there in these expressions, which mean not giving a damn or not caring in the least. These and similar expressions involving figs have been in use since the 1400s. In the late 1500s, ‘to fig someone’ was to give them an insulting gesture by placing the thumb in between the first and second fingers. This gesture apparently originated in Spain because it was also known as ‘the fig of Spain’. For this reason, it was sometimes spelt in the Old Spanish way figo or fico. Shakespeare used all three expressions. Henry IV Part II, Act V, Scene III, “When Pistol lies, do this; and fig me, like the bragging Spaniard.” Henry V, Act III, Scene V, “The fig of Spain!” “Die and be damned! And fico for thy friendship!” In reciting these lines, actors would use the insulting hand gesture just mentioned.