Bless your Heart

[Cosmic]

To southerners here in particular: what do you think about the phrase "Bless Your Heart?" Do you hear it very often? Do you ever use it?

It's used commonly in the south. Basically it means "I'm sorry to hear that," although some people also use it as an insult. Here' an urban dictionary definition:

1: phrase used by Southern women to excuse themselves for speaking ill of someone else.

2: an expression of sympathy or pity.

3: a polite way to respond to an ignoramus, particularly male, who showers upon you flattering but unwanted compliments.
1: "She's as ugly as a mud-fence, bless her heart."

2: "Well, bless your heart, that must have been terrible!"

3: drunk fella: "I think you're beautiful! Even if you were ugly, I'd STILL think you were beautiful!"

recipient: "...bless your heart."

So what do y'all think? Is this phrase an insult? 😀

 

[John]

I don't think so. It's what Southern women say to either mean "You're an idiot." or "How cute." I guess it could be taken as one, but I don't take it as one.

 

[Cosmic]

There are definitely some people who use this as an insult knowingly. 😛 The other day, my boss was relaying a story about a couple people who were being rude, and she said "Bless their hearts" in a disgusted tone. 😛

 

[Reverie]

Ha. Most of us Texans say it as an insult. At least from those that I've heard say it. It's a saying that comes to mind frequently but I rarely actually use it.

 

[Kino]

I like the drunk one.

 

[Cosmic]

I like the drunk one.

I know, right? :lol:

 

[Nebulous]

It gives off a condescending vibe to me. Depends on the context though.

 

[Gimgak]

Yeah, I find it condescending.

That being said while I live in north central FL I don't hear this much as I probably live in the least southern city of the deep south haha.

 

[Gray Fullbuster]

I'm german so i do not have a Mind about that, lol.

 

[MrDawn]

No. It is just annoying overused and way overrated.