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Bless It!

In Southern and Appalachian speech, "Bless It" is a gentle oath meaning "blast it" or "darn it," used when something goes wrong or surprises you.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Southern   #Exclamations   #Euphemisms

Pronunciation

[BLESS it] /blɛs ɪt/

Meaning & Usage

- Mild oath expressing frustration, surprise, or annoyance (exclamation)

Something goes wrong
June:
The biscuits burned!

Pearl:
Bless it!

variations: Bless It All
★ "Bless it" is part of a long Southern/Appalachian tradition of softening oaths to keep them polite and "church-safe." Similar patterns include "bless your heart" and "land sakes." ★

Origin and Etymology

Derived from older English religious language ("bless it" literally invoking blessing) but repurposed by Southerners as a polite expletive. It’s a way of venting without swearing.

Usage Notes

Still heard in rural and small-town Southern/Appalachian speech. Outside the region, people recognize "bless" literally but may not realize it’s being used as a stand-in for a stronger word.

Say It Like a Southerner

Say it natural: often "Well bless it!" or "Oh bless it!" with a soft drawl; sometimes "Bless it all" for extra emphasis.

Kin Topics

Related Pages

Common Questions

Does it mean literally "bless it"?
Not usually - it’s a softened exclamation for frustration or surprise.
Is it polite?
Yes - it’s one of the mildest oaths you can use.
Is it still used today?
Yes - especially among older speakers and anyone who avoids harsher words.

How to Cite This Page

  • APA (7th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. (2025, September 21). Bless It!. HillbillySlang.com. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/bless-it
  • MLA (9th edition)
    "The Hillbilly Dude." "Bless It!." HillbillySlang.com, 21 Sept. 2025, https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/bless-it.
  • Chicago (17th edition)
    The Hillbilly Dude. "Bless It!." HillbillySlang.com. September 21, 2025. https://www.hillbillyslang.com/sayings/bless-it.
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