After living in Virginia for 16 years I think I may have finally uncovered what women really mean when they say, "Bless your heart..."
It's Southern speak for...
"You poor thing..."
-- or --
"You haven't got a clue..."
-- or --
"You are so pathetic..."
-- or --
"You are a freaking moron..."
-- or --
Fill in the blanks.
In any event, I find being told "Bless your heart" or someone saying "Bless her heart" when speaking about someone else very insincere and condescending. Say what you really mean, dammit! Since I will never be a Southern Belle I guess I'll never know the true meaning...
Bless your heart, thank you for trying to fit in down here. We southern belles do appreciate it.
ReplyDelete"Bless your heart" means "we hope God blesses you and gives you whatever you need." That might be strength or wisdom, or a new haircut, but basically, that's what BYH means. Which I suppose is the "you poor thing" part of your first guess, so you have it right.
It's also not something you'll hear me say very often, as it is not one of my favorite figures of speech. If I say it when I really mean it, and not when I'm being facetious on a blog, then generally someone has tugged at a heart string. YMMV.
Anita, I gave up trying to "fit in" but thanks anyway ;)and thanks for your explanation of what it means to you. Too bad more "Southern Belles" don't follow your example.
ReplyDeleteWhat does YMMV mean?
YMMV - Your mileage may vary. I meant that, what I mean when I say it might be different than when someone else does.
ReplyDeleteActually, I don't fit in very well much of any place. I'm southern because I was born and raised here, but have long overthought the situation.