bless your heart

Phrase

Meaning
Sympathy on the surface, often condescending or passive-aggressive.
Type
Phrase
Used in
Texas, Georgia, Alabama, South Carolina, Mississippi, Tennessee, Deep South

What does “bless your heart” mean

A Southern phrase that can be sincere, but is most famous for its passive-aggressive use: a way to insult someone's intelligence or choices while sounding sweet. Context (and tone) is everything.

Where it's used