Bless your heart
"Bless your heart" is a phrase common to the Southern United States.[1][2] The phrase has multiple meanings and is used to express genuine sympathy but sometimes as an insult that conveys condescension, derision, or contempt. It may also be spoken as a precursor to an insult to mitigate its severity. Meanings range from sincerity to exasperation,[3] and are primarily imparted through context and tone.[4] While common in the South, it is primarily used by individuals who wish to "be sweet” and do not wish to "act ugly."[1][5]
Notable examples
[edit | edit source]In 2016, Nikki Haley, then governor of South Carolina, received extensive press coverage for saying the phrase in response to an attack by presidential candidate Donald Trump.[6][7][8]
Speaking about ex-husband Ben Affleck's large back tattoo of a rising phoenix, Jennifer Garner said, "You know what we would say in my hometown about that? 'Bless his heart.'"[9]
See also
[edit | edit source]References
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