Southern Phrases

[heypeg]

I have heard it can be used as an insult at times but in other situations it is sympathy.

[bshee58]

Bless your heart is something you say in a good way, older people will tell you that, because they care for you and what you have done something nice for them, and the "you all" phrase is "y'all", here in the deep south, not anything relating to a "gang".

[sdenimandlace1]

I have never heard Bless your heart as an insult, I have always heard it used a show of compassion for something that is going on in your live.

[judylucas]

I never heard bless your heart   just bless you

[gaylasue]

I use the phrase "bless your heart" quite often.  Most of the time it is intended for comfort.  Sometimes it is sarcastic.

[pectacon]

Lol, I was thinking "bless your heart" before I even opened the thread. It's not inherently an insult no matter where you are in the country, but like anything else can be weaponized depending on tone and context.