Why Do People Say “Bless You” After Someone Sneezes?

My husband scream-sneezes. I’m not talking about just a loud sneeze—no, it’s the kind that makes the dog hide under the bed and the neighbors look out their windows. And it makes me want to smother him with a pillow embroidered with "Use your indoor sneeze"! Many of you know my pain. (And those of you who don't? Bless you, and may you continue living your blissfully sneeze-calm lives.)

So what do I say to him in the moment? Of course, the socially acceptable response is " bless you ," but honestly, I want to say the exact opposite. Curse you? Exorcise you? Catapult you into another zip code? All viable options.

However, even a regular sneeze can be loud and sudden, not to mention that it sprays microscopic chaos into the air—and whether it’s out of politeness or superstition, most of us feel like it’s good etiquette to respond with something . Hence that classic response: "Bless you." But why do people say “bless you” after someone sneezes And what else do people say when someone practically sneezes their soul out?

We asked Amy Stewart of Oxford University Press and Don Ringe, PhD, a linguistics professor at the University of Pennsylvania, to explain. Read on for everything you've ever wondered about this age-old phrase.

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Why do people say "bless you" when someone sneezes?

There are two popularly accepted explanations, Stewart says, adding that the Oxford Dictionary doesn’t have an official entry for “bless you” yet, but they aim to fix that in their next update.

"It's probably a shortening of the longer phrase '(may) God bless you,'" she says. And why would God need to bless a sneezer? "The sneeze was seen as a sign of an illness that could be serious or the result of the body trying to eject an evil presence," she says.

There is some evidence for this. The phrase "bless you" dates back to at least the 6th century, according to Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable Legend has it that Pope Gregory I encouraged people to say it during a particularly nasty plague. Back then, a sneeze was considered a "mortal symptom"—a possible sign of the deadly illness—and so you'd quickly bless them in hopes of warding off death. You know, casual everyday superstitious stuff.

Another theory suggests that people once believed sneezing could literally expel your soul (talk about an overachieving sneeze) or, conversely, that sneezing allowed evil spirits to sneak in (perhaps this is my husband’s problem?). Either way, a quick "bless you!" was a spiritual safety net.

Ringe adds that these are just theories. "The origin of this usage is not clear—perhaps we need to consult pre-modern medical texts—but this explanation would have been my best guess too, and I suspect that it's correct," he says. "After all, in German you say 'Gesundheit!' which means 'health!' when somebody sneezes, which is basically the same idea."

Speaking of gesundheit…

What else do people say after someone sneezes?

"Bless you" may be the original sneeze response (and generally considered the most polite), but there are plenty of other things people say in response to a sneeze .

Health

As Ringe explains, this German word literally means "health," making it a simple and effective response to a sneeze. It also sounds fancier than "bless you." It became popular in American English in the twentieth century (maybe because someone sneezed near an overachieving linguist?).

Health

In Spanish-speaking countries, "salud" (also meaning "health") is the go-to sneeze response. This practice emphasizes the same good wishes but with a little Mediterranean flair. Similarly, in Italian it's "salute!" and in French they say "à tes souhaits!" after a sneeze. All three come from the same root word, "salus"—Latin for "health."

Bonus: Saying "salud" also works when clinking glasses with someone. Multitasking manners !

Excuse you

This response is more modern etiquette and, shall we say, a little cheeky. It's half politeness, half sass and probably best used when someone sneezes a particularly alarming sneeze. Limit this one to family and friends who won't disown you for the sarcasm.

Are you good?

This is the millennial/Gen Z contribution to sneeze etiquette. This phrase suggests concern but also implies the sneezer might have just startled the entire room (or themselves—my husband swears he is surprised by his violent sneezes). It's casual, slightly humorous, and a reminder that social niceties have evolved to include more vibes and fewer syllables.

Stop that!

This is honestly what I wish I could say to my husband. It's not technically a blessing, but it's a solid choice for siblings, long-term couples, and anyone who has heard one too many dramatic sneezes in a confined space. It won't ward off evil spirits, but it might reduce noise pollution (and murderous impulses).

These days, we know sneezes are just the body's way of expelling irritants. But the blessing's traditional etiquette has stuck. Old habits (and plague anxieties) die hard. So whether you say "bless you," "gesundheit" or "stop that," responding to a sneeze is one of those funny little rituals that keeps society running smoothly—like holding the door open or pretending you didn't hear your neighbor's extremely weird phone conversation. It's a tiny moment of connection, a nod to tradition and maybe a lingering superstition that no amount of science has quite blown away (ha!).

About the experts Amy Stewart is the publicist and spokesperson for Oxford University Press. Don Ringe , PhD, is a linguistics professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

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We are committed to producing high-quality content written by individuals with expertise and experience in their respective fields, in consultation with relevant and qualified experts. We rely on credible primary sources, including government agencies, professional organizations, academic institutions, and where appropriate, the personal experience of our writers. Read more about our team , our contributors and our editorial policies .

Sources:

• Brewer’s Dictionary of Phrase and Fable : "Bless you"
• Amy Stewart, publicist and spokesperson for Oxford University Press ; email interview, May 1, 2025
• Don Ringe , PhD, professor of linguistics at the University of Pennsylvania; email interview, May 1, 2025

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Why Your Peace Lily's Leaves Are Turning Black (And How To Fix It)

It's unsettling to see black leaves on your peace lily, but the truth is, they're rarely ever random—they're more like signals. Sometimes, blackening is simply part of the natural aging process. Older leaves, especially near the base, gradually lose color, first fading to yellow, then brown or black before falling away. If the rest of the plant looks lush and it's only the lower leaves affected, there's likely nothing to worry about.

However, other types of blackening can signal specific problems, and where the black appears matters. Blackened tips, for example, often point to a buildup of salts in the soil. This can come from overfertilizing or consistently using mineral-heavy tap water. You might also see this if your water is treated with fluoride or chlorine. If the edges of the leaves are turning black, it could be due to temperature shock, maybe your plant caught a draft near a window or heater, or it's not getting enough humidity. Peace lilies naturally thrive in moist, warm air, and when indoor conditions get too dry, the edges suffer first.

If the entire leaf turns black and soft, that's more serious. It often indicates a fungal infection or rot. And in most cases, that rot starts in the roots. Now, don't go panicking just yet. Peace lilies are resilient plants that bounce back well once you understand what the problem is and adjust accordingly.

Read more: 18 Genius Ways To Repurpose Empty Tic Tac Containers Around Your Home And Garden

You're Giving Your Peace Lily Too Much Water Or Fertilizer

One of the most common mistakes sure to kill your peace lilies is overwatering. These plants prefer evenly moist soil, but they do not tolerate waterlogged roots. When the potting mix remains too wet for an extended period, the roots start to suffocate and rot. This cuts off the supply of water and nutrients to the leaves, causing them to collapse and turn black.

If you're using tap water, especially in areas with hard water, you might be harming your peace lily as well. Hard water contains high levels of minerals such as calcium and magnesium, which can accumulate in the soil over time, leading to stressed roots and darkened leaves. Peace lilies are also particularly sensitive to fluoride and chlorine. For this reason, horticulture experts recommend watering them with distilled, filtered, or rainwater instead.

Too much fertilizer can have a similar effect. Even though peace lilies aren't heavy feeders, frequent applications of synthetic fertilizer can overwhelm the roots. The resulting salt buildup can burn root tissue and show up as black or brown tips. If the blackening started after a recent feed, that's likely the culprit. Since peace lilies can be pretty sensitive to chemical fertilizers, you can Make your own organic peace lily fertilizer using simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. .

Your Peace Lily Just Isn't Happy Where It Is Or It's Diseased

As popular houseplants, peace lilies are one of the Indoor plants that don't require much sunlight to survive In fact, direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, especially if the plant was raised in shade or moved suddenly to a sunnier spot. You may suddenly start to notice black, crispy patches. Since they evolved on the rainforest floor, beneath a thick canopy, they thrive best in filtered or indirect light.

Peace lilies also prefer stable temperatures between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Any sudden exposure to cold drafts, air conditioner vents, or sudden temperature drops can damage leaf tissue, particularly along the edges. Humidity matters too. When indoor air becomes too dry, especially during winter months when heaters are on, the plant may lose moisture faster than it can absorb it through the roots. Sometimes, low humidity and dry soil work together to stress the plant even more. When the air is dry and there's not enough moisture in the soil, peace lilies can start to show signs that they're struggling, which is usually a curling and browning of the leaves.

When the leaves turn fully black, feel soft, or begin to emit a smell, it is most likely a fungal infection such as root rot or leaf blight. Pathogens like Phytophthora and Pythium thrive in waterlogged soil with poor drainage. These conditions deprive the roots of oxygen, allowing fungi to spread upward through the stems and leaves.

How To Revive Your Peace Lily?

The first step really is to pay attention to what the black leaves are telling you and adjust your care accordingly. When you do, your peace lily can bounce back to its glossy, green self in no time. If the blackening appeared after a round of fertilizer, flush the soil with clean, filtered water and ease up on feeding. A diluted liquid fertilizer, applied once a month during the growing season, is usually enough for peace lilies.

Next, form a habit of always checking the soil before watering, and make sure your pot has proper drainage holes. Relocate the peace lily pot to a spot with bright but indirect light, and switch to filtered or distilled water if mineral buildup is a concern. If you suspect root rot or salt accumulation, Repotting into fresh, well-draining soil may give your peace lilies the reset they need. For fungal infections, you need to Trim away your peace lily's roots. and any soft or blackened areas with sterilized scissors before replanting. Choose a container with good airflow and never let water remain in the saucer.

Wait to feed until the plant is clearly in an active growth stage. Trim any damaged leaves to allow the plant to redirect energy toward new, healthy growth. You can also increase humidity by placing the plant on a pebble tray, misting it regularly, or using a nearby humidifier.

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