bless you crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're stuck on the "bless you" crossword clue, you've come to the right place. We provide the most common answers, along with explanations, to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "bless you crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ACHOO: The onomatopoeic sound of a sneeze, which typically prompts the phrase "bless you."
6 Letters
SNEEZE: The involuntary bodily expulsion of air from the nose and mouth, the action to which "bless you" is commonly a response.
10 Letters
GESUNDHEIT: A German word meaning "health," often used as an alternative to "bless you" after a sneeze.
More About "bless you crossword clue"
The phrase "bless you" is a common response to someone sneezing, deeply embedded in many cultures as a polite or superstitious custom. Its origins are often attributed to the belief that a sneeze momentarily allowed evil spirits to enter the body, or that the soul could escape during a sneeze. Pope Gregory the Great reportedly mandated saying "God bless you" during the plague of 590 AD, as sneezing was often an early symptom of the deadly disease, turning the phrase into a short prayer for protection.
In modern crosswords, clues like "bless you" test not just vocabulary but also cultural understanding and common associations. Solvers need to think about what triggers the phrase, what it sounds like, or what alternative sayings exist. This type of clue is a fantastic example of how crosswords intertwine language with everyday life and historical context, offering a rich challenge beyond simple definitions.
While often used without much thought today, the phrase carries centuries of tradition. Understanding its various connections can be key to unlocking tricky crossword puzzles where the answer isn't immediately obvious, requiring a deeper dive into the etymology or cultural context of the words.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Consider the Context: For clues like "bless you," think about the situations or actions associated with the phrase, not just its literal meaning. Is it a sound, an action, or an alternative word?
- Check Letter Count: Always use the number of letters provided in the clue (if available) to narrow down potential answers. Our answer sections are organized by length for this reason.
- Look for Synonyms/Alternatives: If a direct answer isn't immediately apparent, consider synonyms or alternative phrases that convey a similar meaning or are used in the same context (e.g., 'Gesundheit' for 'bless you').
- Think Onomatopoeia: Some clues might hint at sounds, like 'bless you' hinting at 'ACHOO'. Be open to words that imitate sounds.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why do people say "bless you" after a sneeze?
Historically, saying "bless you" after a sneeze was believed to prevent the soul from escaping the body, or to ward off evil spirits, or even as a prayer to prevent illness (like the plague). Today, it's largely a polite social custom.
Are there other common phrases used instead of "bless you"?
Yes, 'Gesundheit' is a very common alternative, especially in North America. It's German for 'health' and conveys a similar good wish. Different cultures have their own traditional responses, such as 'À tes souhaits' (to your wishes) in French.
How can a clue like "bless you" appear in a crossword?
Crossword clues like 'bless you' can point to the sound made (ACHOO), the action that causes the phrase (SNEEZE), or an alternative blessing (GESUNDHEIT). It relies on understanding the context and common associations of the phrase.