Forum: Author Hangout

Does there exist a reference work that emphasizes phrases or responses instead of just words.
An example of what I'm searching for would be a dictionary that would answer what people say when somebody sneezes. I've heard people say"Bless You"or "gesundheit" (I'm guessing at the spelling) or "scat there" when someone sneezes and wonder if there are others. I've seen some discussion in these forums about whether "Bless your heart" is a blessing or a curse. Anybody know of a dictionary (or dictionary-like reference) that tackles those kinds of things?

whether "Bless your heart" is a blessing or a curse

If you are in the southeast, it is definitely a curse.

Well, I declare! I never knew there wasn't a proper term for such phrases as "bless your heart".

I'm not fixin' to spend a month of Sundays searching for it, either, 'cause I don't have a dog in this fight.

I reckon there's no reason to get all tore up about such a piddlin' matter, since knowing wouldn't make a hill o' beans one way or t'other.

Now I'm plumb tuckered out.

I generally think of those phrases as being idioms - a quick search turned up the American Heritage Dictionary of Idioms, which may be what you're looking for?

Those are regional idioms (common sayings) and are often the first things they teach you in those Berlitz foreign language programs. So try searching for idiom reference or check out the urbandictionary (it's great for cutting insults, curses and put downs).

By the way, "Bless your heart" is what people in the deep south (ex: Alabama) say when you say something stupid (i.e. you poor simpleton, may the lord have mercy on your soul). I grew up hearing that kind of shit.

https://daredictionary.com/

That might be a start (though I just found it looking for a site that acted as a glossary of regional slang I happened across a few years ago so I can't vouch for it)