Britishisms

[Mel L]

Is it just me or is the oft-heard British expression 'Ah, bless!' somewhat patronizing?

 

[E G Logan]

In my experience, it's not British, it's English. I've never, ever, heard anyone Scots, for example, use it.

In fairness, it does tend to be used of children, when they do or say something cute. Or they look cute. Or someone shows a photo of a stonkingly plain child, and something positive, but relatively meaningless, has to be said...

I've also never heard it used from one adult to another, other than jokingly (ironically). But I don't get out much in the UK these days.

 

[izi 出久]

Is it just me or is the oft-heard British expression 'Ah, bless!' somewhat patronizing?

Thought this was a Gen Z thing. My hs students said it all the time (Florida).

 

[Mel L]

In my experience, it's not British, it's English. I've never, ever, heard anyone Scots, for example, use it.

In fairness, it does tend to be used of children, when they do or say something cute. Or they look cute. Or someone shows a photo of a stonkingly plain child, and something positive, but relatively meaningless, has to be said...

I've also never heard it used from one adult to another, other than jokingly (ironically). But I don't get out much in the UK these days.

I don't get out much in 'English' circles at all! My daughter, who now lives near Nottingham, uses the expression a lot and I never thought anything about it. Then the other day I saw a clip from a BBC show where the guest, an older actress, told a humorous anecdote and the host wrapped up by saying 'Ah, bless.' It felt wrong somehow but then I wondered if it was my North American instincts kicking in. If we say to someone, 'Ah, that's sweet', which I think is fairly equivalent, it can feel a bit patronizing.

 

[Dorm Ant]

I haven't heard it said, TBH. Must be a phase.

Or maybe people know that if they said it to me, I'd lunge?

 

[Hannah Faoileán]

I'm trying to think of one instance outside of TV where I've heard someone say it (in Scotland or Ireland) and the only one I can think of is an eighteen-year-old talking to another eighteen-year-old about a much younger kid. The listener (who happens to be English) responded with "ah, bless."

 

[izi 出久]

I'm trying to think of one instance outside of TV where I've heard someone say it (in Scotland or Ireland) and the only one I can think of is an eighteen-year-old talking to another eighteen-year-old about a much younger kid. The listener (who happens to be English) responded with "ah, bless."

I've only heard teens say it to each other.

 

[Mel L]

Thought this was a Gen Z thing. My hs students said it all the time (Florida).

You are probably right. But I can't for the life of me imagine Americans saying it!

 

[Mel L]

I'm trying to think of one instance outside of TV where I've heard someone say it (in Scotland or Ireland) and the only one I can think of is an eighteen-year-old talking to another eighteen-year-old about a much younger kid. The listener (who happens to be English) responded with "ah, bless."

Strange, as the expression sounds sort of quaint and old fashioned to me. But hey, I'm ancient!

 

[Dorm Ant]

Strange, as the expression sounds sort of quaint and old fashioned to me. But hey, I'm ancient!

Young people say, "Oh, my days", too

 

[Pamela Jo]

Southerners do say this. Only it sounds more like, "Bless her heart." When I first went to England I used to hear, "Bless their cotton socks." Seems to be shortened. Why 'Bless Your Heart' Is the Most Savage Insult in the Country. And as with the South I think it depends on the context whether it is shade or not.

 

[KateESal]

Context is all!
"Ah, bless....!" can be used to express a genuine moment of feeling touched by something someone has just done or said. Or, as you say, it can be used ironically to be patronising. Or for humour. Depends!

 

[Vagabond Heart]

Oh Crikey, I say it all the time, but generally ironically. Is that cringe?

 

[Pamela Jo]

Oh Crikey, I say it all the time, but generally ironically. Is that cringe?

Not at all. I think it is the perfect amount of shade. . Isn't this even enshrined in the original 101 Dalmatians. One of the cows says it of one of the pups when feeding it? But back then it is meant sincerely.

 

[BillZ]

I've heard Ant & Dec use the expression on BGT.

 

[Hannah Faoileán]

I've heard Ant & Dec use the expression on BGT.

Actually, now you mention it, so have I.

 

[Vagabond Heart]

You are probably right. But I can't for the life of me imagine Americans saying it!

I think the American equivalent would be 'isn't she precious'.

 

[E G Logan]

Not at all. I think it is the perfect amount of shade. . Isn't this even enshrined in the original 101 Dalmatians. One of the cows says it of one of the pups when feeding it? But back then it is meant sincerely.

And, as I suggested, in that case it was used of a cute little one. Like that, it's not ironic.

 

[Pamela Jo]

I think the American equivalent would be 'isn't she precious'.

Sounds more Real Housewives of NYC to me. We tend more towards the Southern , "Bless your heart' in the Midwest.

 

[Jonny]

It's used around these here parts all the time. Both contexts as @KateESal says.

Bev... ah bless!

 

[Pamela Jo]

Just saw it on Queer as Folk, Netflix last night. Character told that Japanese character asking for money is actually in love with him says it. That show was on BBC when we were in England. My son was a baby and I'd watch when I was up with him. Russell Davies before Dr. Who and Torchwood. I remembered it as explicit, but I'm not sure anything as explicit would make it to telly today even at 11pm.