what does "bless you" mean??

[helpmeexplainthis]

probably the most ridiculous post on here but please dont judge me for this!

what does 'bless you mean'? I dont mean in the context of sneezing, I mean if you said something to someone and they said "oh bless you" or "aw, bless you", or "aw bless."

A lot of my friends say it (possibly a regional thing where I have moved to) but its not a phrase I was familiar with before (outside the context of sneezing obviously!) I have started accidentally copying them and saying it but im not actually quite sure what it means or what the correct context is and I dont want to embarrass myself by asking in case it's obvious!

TIA.

I use it to replace sending a hug or to show I'm supporting someone. I like it, it somehow feels kinder/ a more gentle way of showing someone you care.

I'm not religious so it def doesn't mean anything in religious to me. It may to some people, though.

It drives me mad its used in hospital a lot usually after a they have done something that has hurt you and you have reacted to the pain they go 'aww bless you'.
I find it dismissive of your pain and patronising.

I usually use it in a sarcastic way. When someone is clearly stupid I just say: awww..bless him/her.
It can be otherwise used in many different context and scenarios.

I think it's a shortened version of 'God bless you'. I recall hearing (might not be true) that it emerged during the Plague. If a person sneezed (implying impending sickness) it was a sort of blessing to ward off the sickness. I think it's morphed from that to become an expression of sympathy if anyone's having a tough time. Probably is more of a regional thing though!

I think it comes from God Bless. It’s usually meant as a kind gesture…unless there’s a sarcastic tone underneath..

Like many others, I’d only use it meaning to be nice. I don’t think people should associate with being rude because in essence, anything you say could be used as genuine or disrespectful. Ie “You poor thing” could mean exactly what it says on the tin or it can be used sarcastically as well. I think of it as threefolded 1. When someone sneezes, you wish for them to not get unwell. 2. When someone has been kind/sweet, bless you for doing that, that’s lovely. And 3. Bless, you have had it hard as a form of sympathy/endearment. It’s obviously used on context Op so if someone has spent a long time bragging about all their luxury holidays and/or expensive gifts at Christmas, you would be safe to assume the person who says “Bless, you have a hard life” to be using it the “wrong” way.

'Thank you', 'Excuse me' and 'I beg your pardon' can all be used passive aggressively or rudely. It depends on the way you say it and, going by the posts on this thread, either depends on where you live or how easily offended you are.

It's short for "God bless you" isn't it?

I think it's very patronising when not said in a religious context. Thats how I take it anyway. Might not be right. Bit more mocking is aww bless. Both awful.

I have a friend who says it in texts but not verbally. Usually when I've texted about something being challenging. She means it kindly but it irritates the hell out of me. Last time, I replied 'Achoo'. 🫣

I mean it as blessing the person with love and kindness. I use it sparingly.

USA here.
In some contexts, it can mean thank you from the bottom of my heart and may you be blessed in turn. Perhaps said when someone helps you change your tire in the pouring rain, or returns your wallet with all contents intact. "Bless you! You really saved my hide." "Bless you for being such a good person. You've restored my faith in humanity".

Now, there IS another form. I learned this from my long ago ex and his family.
It is said like this, "Bless your heart!". They are NOT blessing you or your heart. They are, in a southern way, telling you to feck off. Luckily, not all southerns do it but when they say it and they aren't friends, chances are you just been told off. Heck, I think even friends tell each other that in the south.....

I always say it. Someone says ‘I didn’t sleep well last night’ - I say oh bless you. I mean I sympathise with you, feel sorry for you

100% this.

Who is qualified to hand out blessings? Can anyone do it or do we need qualifications? Like the pope?
Is it presumptious to think you are qualified to bless people? Or is it just a phrase that is a mumble of sympathy or an acknowledgement of a small kindness?
I dunno, I hate "being blessed" and yet on occasion I've said it myself.🙄

It can mean many things 'aww you're sweet / cute / kind / lovely' or 'oh you're so daft / silly / stupid '

Exactly the same here. I've never used it, or heard it used, in a sarcastic way.

I say this about 20 times a day 🙈 I mean it to be like... oh poor you. You poor thing. That's a shame. That sucks. Bless you.

And if someone does something nice for you. Bless you.

And to a child / animal. Oh they're tired are they/ aren't they cute - Bless him / bless her.

It's a ridiculous expression said by a) religious people b) patronizing people c) people who want the conversation to end

Another one here who hates it. My manager says it all the time. I know she doesn't mean it patronisingly but my hackles still rise, especially when she says it to me.

I regularly bless my guinea pigs if they sneeze. Sorry for derail.

It’s just an expression of kindness and sympathy.

Its something traditionally said to, or about, children, meaning aren't they lovely/sweet/innocent, I hope God will bless them and look out for them.
Its now been extended to use when adults exhibit child like qualities of naivety, mild benign incompetence, or do something nice in an innocent or 'sweet' way. Either genuinely meant, or as a put down for their immaturity.
Some people just use it as a habit, as an endearment or a well wish, like 'take care'.

I have very nice friends.

That's why they don't use the term. It's people in the community, that I have to deal with, that use the term.

And even when it is meant nicely, it still sounds bloody patronising. Awful turn of phrase.