Page 4 | what does "bless you" mean??

helpmeexplainthis · 2023-04-16T00:22:57+00:00

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.

mindutopia · 16/04/2023 15:16

I think it’s often used in quite a passive aggressive patronising way, unless in relation to children and pensioners (eg telling story about how grandpa still walks to the shop every morning at 95 and someone replies ‘oh bless’). Otherwise it’s a bit like the thumbs up emoji.

neverendinglauaundry · 16/04/2023 15:19

IME it means either:

A) That was a really nice thing you did
Or more usually,
B) I think you're a moron but I don't want to get into it.

Not an expression I use myself.

Starhead69 · 16/04/2023 15:55

AwaaFaeHom · 16/04/2023 15:07

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.

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@AwaaFaeHom I think it might be a regional thing because where I’m from (north east) people don’t take offence

charliegirl86 · 16/04/2023 15:59

I've had "aw bless ya" when talking about lack of sleep at work due to toddler, or if not very well I've heard bless you. Both times it's been as a 'feeling sorry for you' type way. I don't think it's a bad thing. I think it's often used about children more than adults. Like if a child was crying cos they dropped their ice cream or fell over I'd expect some one to say bless him/her, also if their poorly I think it's usual to say eg peters not been very well with a bug, other person would say aw bless him

Ihatepainting · 16/04/2023 15:59

I find it hugely condescending and seldom hear it used in gratitude, generally it’s some arsehole being superior It’s a subtle put down.

lazytownie · 16/04/2023 15:59

Sneezing - short form of God Bless You to ward off ill spirits

Bless you - that's nice or kind or thanks.

Aw bless - usually a bit patronising and means either "aw that's cute" or "pat on the head you simpleton"

Itakecreaminmycoffee · 16/04/2023 16:03

IsolatedWilderness · 16/04/2023 03:00

With sneezing it's a historic thing to do with the plague. Sneezing was one of the symptoms, so people said bless you in the hopes you wouldn't get sick.

This but in more recent times, it seems to have become a kind of “aw, aren’t you cute”? kind of comment. It can be p.a. depending on the context it’s used in.

VickyEadieofThigh · 16/04/2023 16:08

I say it in a sincere and kindly way. A very devout Christian colleague told me (and he knew I didn't share his faith), when he knew my partner was going into hospital for an operation with what looked like ovarian cancer - that he was praying for her.

I replied "God bless you." I genuinely meant it because I knew he was so sincere.

(She had a total abdominal hysterectomy and has been cancer-free for 17 years).

ivfbabymomma1 · 16/04/2023 16:34

I use it should a. Someone has done something very kind to me. Ie! Bless you thank you so much. Or b. If someone gives me a compliment. It's usually always a bless you, thank you. I hope that never comes across as patronising!!!

JoWawa · 16/04/2023 16:35

You've done something nice and tradtionally a Christian is asking God to bless you for your kindness. Not so bad.

Smilethoughyourheartisaching · 16/04/2023 17:47

Walkacrossthesand · 16/04/2023 08:58

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'. 🫣

🙄 funny aren’t ya

Havehope21 · 16/04/2023 17:59

It is usually taken as an endearing term when someone wants to say thank you for something surprisingly kind/generous you have said or done - like 'oh bless you, that is really kind...'.

With children, 'awe bless' can mean they are being cute or said something funny.

TroysMammy · 16/04/2023 18:03

A patient always says God bless when she's finished ordering her prescription and ending the call.

I prefer that to the recent trend of people saying bye bye bye, bye and any more byes they can get in when ending a call. That is so irritating and unnecessary.

diflasu · 16/04/2023 18:08

Depends on context surely - I've heard it used instead of a heartfelt thank you and sarcastically as aren't you naive or awe bless with kids/cats/and old person (in case of MIL) as they've done something sweet or laughable in a kind way.

AwaaFaeHom · 17/04/2023 00:53

Starhead69 · 16/04/2023 15:55

@AwaaFaeHom I think it might be a regional thing because where I’m from (north east) people don’t take offence

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I'm not sure that 'being patronised' is a synonym for 'being offended'. I'm not offended by it. It's irritating and patronising and makes me feel like I'm being spoken to like I'm eight years old. So if someone uses it with me it's highly likely that I will choose not to engage with them further/in future if at all possible.

I don't know how you would know that everyone in the North East is okay with it. It's not like I tell people they are coming across (quite possibly unintentionally) like a patronising git. Maybe there are a good number of people there that don't like it, you just don't know if.

Smilethoughyourheartisaching · 17/04/2023 08:03

AwaaFaeHom · 17/04/2023 00:53

I'm not sure that 'being patronised' is a synonym for 'being offended'. I'm not offended by it. It's irritating and patronising and makes me feel like I'm being spoken to like I'm eight years old. So if someone uses it with me it's highly likely that I will choose not to engage with them further/in future if at all possible.

I don't know how you would know that everyone in the North East is okay with it. It's not like I tell people they are coming across (quite possibly unintentionally) like a patronising git. Maybe there are a good number of people there that don't like it, you just don't know if.

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@AwaaFaeHom ok. You do you. I’ll do me. Happy days 🙄

Smilethoughyourheartisaching · 17/04/2023 08:07

AwaaFaeHom · 17/04/2023 00:53

I'm not sure that 'being patronised' is a synonym for 'being offended'. I'm not offended by it. It's irritating and patronising and makes me feel like I'm being spoken to like I'm eight years old. So if someone uses it with me it's highly likely that I will choose not to engage with them further/in future if at all possible.

I don't know how you would know that everyone in the North East is okay with it. It's not like I tell people they are coming across (quite possibly unintentionally) like a patronising git. Maybe there are a good number of people there that don't like it, you just don't know if.

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I’ve never used it to patronise someone, that’s just not me. Only ever meant kindly and I’ve never taken it as anything else. Take it as you will. @AwaaFaeHom