bless someone's heart

== English == === Etymology === A conventional shortening of a wish May God bless (your/her/his/etc) heart. === Pronunciation === === Phrase === bless someone's heart Used to express gratitude. (Compare bless you, God bless you.) Used to express affection. (especially Southern US) Used to soften criticism or express pity. (Compare the British usage of bless (expression of endearment or belittlement).) (especially Southern US) Used sarcastically to express contempt. ==== Synonyms ==== bless (interjection) (expression of gratitude): bless you (criticism or pity; British): bless someone's cotton socks God love someone