<P> "Bless your heart" is a phrase that is common in the Southern United States . The phrase has multiple meanings . It can be used as a sincere expression of sympathy or genuine concern . It can be used as a precursor to an insult to soften the blow . It is also sometimes used to mean "you are dumb or otherwise impaired, but you can't help it" by individuals who wish to "be sweet" and do not wish to "act ugly". </P> <P> In 2016, Nikki Haley, the governor of South Carolina, received extensive press coverage for saying the phrase in response to an attack by presidential candidate Donald Trump . </P>

Where did the term bless your heart come from