Tell me more ×
English Language & Usage Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts. It's 100% free, no registration required.
up vote 13 down vote favorite
1

Possible Duplicate:
What are alternative responses for when someone sneezes?

I know the history/reason why people say bless you to you after you sneeze. My question is, is there an alternative to bless you which can be used when someone sneezes?

share|improve this question
2  
At least one answer is provided by the accepted answer of the linked questions... – dmckee Jan 7 '12 at 16:43
21  
'Gesundheit' is used by English speakers without knowing German. It has assimilated into English. It is not productive (you can't make new words with it in English) bit it is still recognized by English speakers. Therefore it is English. – Mitch Jan 7 '12 at 17:30
2  
I usually feign surprise for the heck of it. – Rei Miyasaka Jan 7 '12 at 19:49
2  
As an aside, the French sometimes use a sequence of responses to multiple sneezes: "to your wishes" … "to your loves" … [exasperated] "to your death." – tajmo Jan 7 '12 at 20:45
4  
Good boy/girl. Now wipe that off my face. – Job Jan 7 '12 at 22:45
show 8 more comments

marked as duplicate by simchona♦, Mahnax, jwpat7, FumbleFingers, RegDwighт♦ Jan 8 '12 at 21:48

This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.

5 Answers

up vote 5 down vote accepted

I've read that in polite company, you shouldn't say anything, so as to not draw any additional attention to the sneezer's faux pas. As for alternatives to "bless you", I hear "Gesundheit" on TV a lot, but when I say it to people who just sneezed, they mostly don't seem to get it.

share|improve this answer
up vote 46 down vote

The best alternative, I feel, is simply to say nothing. Saying "Bless you" (or Gesundheit, or anything else) after someone sneezes does, to some extent, oblige the sneezer to respond with thanks of some kind. This may be inconvenient, especially if the person is about to sneeze again, and such an exchange becomes downright silly in a chain of multiple sneezes — especially if, as often happens, the person is in another room, out of sight of the sneezer.

Me: [Sneeze]
You: Bless you!
Me: Tha— [Sneeze]
You: Bless you!
Me: Thank [Sneeze] you.
You: Bless you!
Me: Tha— [Sneeze]
You: Bless you!
Me: [Trying to find a tissue.] Thank you.

I, for one, prefer to be allowed to sneeze my sneezes without being caught up in a social ritual that has no practical value.

share|improve this answer
3  
+1 for the inspired dialogue that made me smile. Not at all far from reality... – Irene Jan 7 '12 at 16:57
5  
+1 for the insight, -1 because it is not an answer about English but about common sense :) – JeffSahol Jan 7 '12 at 17:27
12  
@JeffSahol: Silence is always an option when using English. You might be surprised how often it's the best option. – Robusto Jan 7 '12 at 19:05
1  
2  
But let me say this. Once he passes on that option, that "god bless you" is up for grabs. youtube.com/watch?v=XbnQWrfgbvI – Henrik N Jan 7 '12 at 22:55
show 5 more comments
up vote 35 down vote

Gesundheit is a perfectly good alternative saying.

share|improve this answer
4  
... and is found in English dictionaries. – GEdgar Jan 7 '12 at 17:09
2  
Rarely heard in British English though, have only really heard Americans (and Germans!) use it. – scottishwildcat Jan 7 '12 at 22:07
And doesn't clog up the com link with God with this human reflex to get the tickle out of your nose. – Dale Jan 7 '12 at 22:40
I have heard "gesundheit" all my life in Michigan, Iowa, and Texas. I suspect waves of German immigration transplanted the word here. – MετάEd Jan 7 '12 at 23:49
1  
Of course ‘Gesundheit’ (health) is the correct thing to say, because that is what you wish for the person. If you say ‘Krankheit’ (sickness), I hope you know the person well enough so they don’t mind. – MPi Jan 8 '12 at 10:56
show 1 more comment
up vote 4 down vote

I usually say "salud" (sa-lood) or "to health."

share|improve this answer
up vote 2 down vote

I had a friend in high school that was a Native Indian, and took great offense to me blessing him after a sneeze. When I asked what he preferred instead, he responded, "Your health."

share|improve this answer

protected by RegDwighт♦ Jan 8 '12 at 20:41

This question is protected to prevent "thanks!", "me too!", or spam answers by new users. To answer it, you must have earned at least 10 reputation on this site.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.