'Gesundheit', 'bless ya' are stupid and should be eradicated :)

[iJohnHenry]

The educated people here know what the response originally signifies, but most people have no idea why they say what they say.

I say let it continue so that the ignorant are eventually made aware of the black death references etc - it is so much fun to see the lightbulbs appear over their heads as they say "Oh, really. I never knew that!"

Beautiful post, riscy.

 

[EricNau]

I prefer the german Gesundheit, with which, you're literally wishing the person good "health."

Although, I do feel it's ridiculous when 15 people feel the need to respond to a single sneeze. One person at the most, thank you.

 

[jb60606]

I'm not sure what it's like over in the U.S. but people in Sydney refuse to say "excuse me" when they are getting out of a crowded train (as an example). Instead they will elbow and shove their way through. I asked someone why do people not say excuse me in such a situation and the reply was because it is rude to do so Odd I actually find it more impolite be shoved in my side by a stranger's elbow rather than let me know they're trying to get through with a simple "excuse me please".

If someone says "bless you" when I sneeze I have absolutely no problems with it and will gladly respond with a "thank you" and a smile.

It depends - nudging people put of the way is normal in most major cities... kind of an unspoken agreement. At rush hour, especially, it's every man/woman for themselves. If you're standing in the way of others, expect to be pushed. The only people I notice that have a negative reaction to it were obvious tourists.

 

[Bern]

...If you're standing in the way of others, expect to be pushed....

Um in a crowded train I expect a polite "excuse me" not to be shoved aside by a total stranger because I have no where else to move LOL

 

[jb60606]

Um in a crowded train I expect a polite "excuse me" not to be shoved aside by a total stranger because I have no where else to move LOL

You've got to get out somehow. Even if it means being 'rude'. It's a necessary evil in some situations, and those familiar with the same struggle usually understand. I'm not saying give them an extended arm shove; a nudge will do. They'll contort their body to let you by. Simply saying 'excuse me' will just get you the evil eye, or a laugh.

Most, especially those closest to the door, don't want to lose their spot. I can't tell you how many times I've seen people get off the bus/train to let others out, only to be left stranded, due to the onslaught of people getting on at the same stop.

 

[irmongoose]

jb60606: Totally! You should try riding the subway in Tokyo during rush hour!

irmongoose

 

[Surely]

What is this, a Seinfeld episode?

"You're soooooo good looking!"

 

[irmongoose]

It certainly has that Larry David ring to it, doesn't it?


irmongoose

 

[Surely]

It certainly has that Larry David ring to it, doesn't it?


irmongoose

It certainly does. I was surprised to see that no Seinfeld reference was made yet, especially considering your avatar.

 

[floyde]

What is this, a Seinfeld episode?

"You're soooooo good looking!"

LOL I guess I did watch too many episodes. It does sound like something Jerry or George would complain about.

 

[AceWilfong]

Deja vu all over again. Just: "deja vu" will do.

 

[JNB]

I prefer the german Gesundheit

I usually respond with "Good 'n' tight". Shuts 'em right up.

I also respond to "How are you doing?" with "Everybody I can."

 

[todd2000]

However my knee-jerk reaction to a sneeze on the train [or other confined space] is to give them a dirty look like "I hope you didn't just get me sick, you diseased asstard"

.......I'm not diseased.

So are you saying your an asstard?

 

[Mac'nCheese]

I think saying bless you when people sneeze is a stupid custom. The person sneezing should say excuse me just like you would do if you farted or burped.

 

[rprebel]

I don't say anything when someone sneezes, and if I sneeze and someone says "bless you" I don't respond. I didn't ask to be blessed, and I don't want to be blessed. It's just a sneeze. On the rare occasion they look at me like I'm crazy/rude, I give them the exact same look back.

 

[Don't panic]

Well I'm in favor of politeness as well. I just don't think this particular gesture serves any purpose. I'd rather be polite in cases in which I can actually help out another person.

OR, you could be polite in BOTH situations.

i know, I know radical thoughts....

 

[Mac'nCheese]

OR, you could be polite in BOTH situations.

i know, I know radical thoughts....

I just don't get why saying bless u is polite. Its not doing anything for the person sneezing. I think we have disproved the old your heart stops when you sneeze and bless you gets it going again idea. Or do people still believe that sneezing shoots your soul out through your nose and saying bless you crams it back in? Politeness should make sense. Like saying your welcome. Stupid, stupid "polite" custom. Why make the person doing the favor say the polite phrase. The other person says thank you and that's it! Move on.

 

[iJohnHenry]

I didn't read this old thread, but I believe that a sneeze was the first sign of The Black Death.

Hence the blessing.

 

[Gregg2]

I think saying bless you when people sneeze is a stupid custom. The person sneezing should say excuse me just like you would do if you farted or burped.

Agreed. I don't say it when someone else sneezes. But if I sneeze and someone says it to me, I say "Thanks". That just seems polite, although I suppose I could say something like "That's already been taken care of, but thanks anyway".

 

[Mac'nCheese]

Agreed. I don't say it when someone else sneezes. But if I sneeze and someone says it to me, I say "Thanks".

But do you expect them to say "you're welcome."

 

[KeriJane]

I say "Gesundheit". Sorry, I just can't say "Bless You" with a straight face.

If the situation permits, after multiple sneezes maybe an "Encore!" or "Здорвья!" (Zdrovia)

If it's in response to an open-mouth howling sneeze that spatters whole ZIP codes and pops eardrums (like my mom used to)... either "You OK?" or "Whaduhelwazzat?"

When I sneeze, it's "Excuse me", "scuzeme" or "oopsie" or possibly "awcrud" all depending upon the situation.
Naturally, if someone says "Bless you" or whatever I have to say "Thank you" or maybe "Dank yoo" if my nose is all stuffy.

Have Fun,
Keri

 

[Firestar]

I say "Bless you," and sometimes "Ga' bless you."

 

[iJohnHenry]

I say "Bless you," and sometimes "Ga' bless you."

Georgia?? Why?

 

[phonk]

I didn't read this old thread, but I believe that a sneeze was the first sign of The Black Death.

Hence the blessing.

Yep. And that's why in Germany till last year the german etiquette guide Knigge told us not to say "Gesundheit". Because it implies that you are sick. They changed it because it's a common phrase now.

 

[Gregg2]

But do you expect them to say "you're welcome."

No. That would be even weirder.