bless someone's heart
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English[edit]
Etymology[edit]
A conventional shortening of a wish May God bless (your/her/his/etc) heart.
Phrase[edit]
- Used to express gratitude. (Compare bless you, God bless you.)
- (especially Southern US) Used to soften criticism or express pity. (Compare the British usage of bless (“expression of endearment or belittlement”).)
- 2002, Hack Proofing Your Identity In The Information Age, →ISBN, page 9:
- We just moved my dad to a senior community, and I need to make sure he changed his gas service over to his new address. Bless his heart—he doesn't remember things the way he used to!
- 2004, Larry Michael Ellis, The Life and Legend of Robert "Black Bob" Renfro, →ISBN:
- “Bob had my permission to travel with Mister Jackson. Mister Jackson asked for his help, and I agreed.”
“They must have tricked you, bless your heart. How could you know what they were plotting,” Mistress Dean said in her most sympathetic tone.
- 2008, Jerry Deriso, Save Me A Place In Heaven, →ISBN:
- "Bless her heart, she doesn't have the fashion sense God gave a billygoat."
- My dog can't fit in her puppy bed anymore, but she still tries, bless her heart.
- They're having a hard time getting used to the food down here. They don't like grits — bless their hearts, they don't even like sweet tea.
Synonyms[edit]
- bless (interjection)
- (expression of gratitude): bless you
- (criticism or pity; British): bless someone's cotton socks
- God love someone