I overheard someone apparently speaking to a customer (or the like), who said, "I'll see what I can't do about that and blah, blah blah." I certainly understood that he meant "can" and I've heard that usage before. However, I wonder how it originated. Any thoughts?

It's a kind of overnegation where the presence or absence of the negation doesn't change the meaning, similar to "he knows/doesn't know squat about alligators." Or "that'll teach you (not) to tease the alligators" or "I could/couldn't care less about monster trucks."

Weird.

Ah, yes. The whole "I could care less" kerfuffle.

Ouch, goofy, alligators! You were prescient with that one.

Kalleh I have never heard this usage but then I don't get around much anymore (hm that reminds me of a song... whatever happened to 'complete the lyrics'?).

Yes, wasn't that alligator attack awful! Poor baby.

Usually it is I who hasn't heard of usages. Here is one thread where we talked about "could care less." I can't stand that usage, as you'll see in that thread. However, goofy pointed out when it can mean something.

quote:

Originally posted by bethree5:
... whatever happened to 'complete the lyrics'?.

Lack of interest? The last post was nearly 3 years ago. No one has yet seen fit to revive it.

Bethree, would you like me to start it again? I am happy to, but as Tinman said, it seemed to fizzle out.