don't pay it no mind
Ignore it, or don't let it bother you.
Also called don't pay me no mind, pay it no mind.
Updated September 21, 2026
don't pay it no mind pronunciation
/DONT pay it no MAHYND/
Meaning
A soft brush-off for a worry, a slip-up, or somebody talking trash. You are telling the other person not to fret and not to give the thing any attention. Close cousin of "don't pay me no mind," which means ignore what I just said or did.
How folks use it
- “You forgot the pie dish? Don't pay it no mind. I'll get it next Sunday.”
- “Don't pay it no mind what they said at the store. They don't know half of it.”
Origin and etymology
"Pay mind" is older English for take notice. In Southern and Appalachian talk the line picked up a double negative ("don't ... no"), which is normal grammar in that register and adds punch. Outside the South you more often hear "don't pay it any mind."
Frequently asked questions
Does "pay" mean money here?
No. "Pay mind" just means give attention. Same idea as "pay attention," without the cash.