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"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

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

References

  1. ^ a b Dyer, Candace (November 1, 2012). "Your Southern Decoder". Atlanta Magazine. Archived from the original on February 7, 2023. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  2. ^ Fambro, Cassie (November 2, 2013). "'Bless your heart' and 14 other southern sayings yankees just don't understand". AL.com. Archived from the original on August 23, 2022. Retrieved March 2, 2016.
  3. ^ "30 Phrases Only Southerners Use". Southern Living. July 3, 2023. Archived from the original on May 19, 2023. Retrieved April 11, 2023.
  4. ^ "How To Respond To "Bless Your Heart"". Southern Living. November 21, 2022. Archived from the original on March 21, 2023. Retrieved September 22, 2022.
  5. ^ Norling, Hannah (July 22, 2015). "The Northern Southerner: Bless My Heart?". Southern Living. Archived from the original on July 23, 2015. Retrieved April 12, 2016.
  6. ^ Engel, Pamela (March 1, 2016). "Nikki Haley dismisses Donald Trump". Business Insider. Archived from the original on February 18, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2016.
  7. ^ Krieg, Gregory (March 1, 2016). "Nikki Haley response to Trump attack: 'Bless your heart'". CNN. Archived from the original on April 25, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2016.
  8. ^ Gass, Nick (March 2016). "Nikki Haley to Donald Trump: 'Bless your heart'". Politico.com. Archived from the original on June 2, 2023. Retrieved March 2, 2016.
  9. ^ Smith, Krista (February 26, 2016). "Exclusive: Jennifer Garner's Frank Talk About Kids, Men, and Ben Affleck". Vanity Fair. Retrieved December 22, 2016.
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