Why Do People Say “Bless You” for Sneezes but Not for Coughs?

Last winter, while I was waiting in line at the pharmacy, the man behind me sneezed loudly. Instinctively, three people — myself included — said, “Bless you.” Not a second later, he coughed twice. Silence. No one said a word. It hit me then: why do we only bless sneezes? What makes a sneeze so special compared to a cough?

This seemingly trivial habit is loaded with centuries of belief, fear, and social ritual. In this article, we’ll unpack the origins of the phrase “Bless you,” why it’s tied to sneezes, and explore the cultural, religious, and psychological reasons it hasn’t extended to coughs. The answer is more revealing — and more human — than you might think.

The Ancient Origins of “Bless You”

The phrase “Bless you” goes back much further than polite society — its roots are deeply religious and historical.

A Superstitious Defence Against Death

One of the earliest theories traces the origin to ancient Rome during the 6th century. When the bubonic plague swept through Europe, sneezing was seen as a sign that someone had contracted the disease. Pope Gregory I is said to have encouraged people to say “God bless you” as both a prayer for the sneezer’s survival and a way of warding off evil spirits.

“The blessing was believed to protect the soul from escaping the body during a sneeze,” explains Dr. Laura Boyd, a cultural anthropologist at the University of Oxford. “People genuinely feared sneezing because of its association with death.”

While there’s no direct written decree from Pope Gregory confirming this, the cultural shift around that time supports the idea that sneezes became a societal red flag.

The Idea of the Soul Leaving the Body

Another long-standing myth suggests that sneezing momentarily stops the heart — a claim which isn’t physiologically accurate. While your heartbeat may change rhythm slightly due to intrathoracic pressure, it doesn’t stop altogether. Still, in earlier centuries, the idea that a sneeze could separate your soul from your body made “Bless you” a spiritual safety net.

Why Coughs Didn’t Get the Same Treatment

If sneezes once signalled doom, then what about coughs? After all, they can also indicate illness. But culturally, coughs never acquired the same ritualistic weight.

Sneezes Are Sudden; Coughs Are Familiar

Unlike sneezes, which come without warning, coughs are often more prolonged and frequent. That unpredictability makes sneezes feel more jarring — and perhaps more deserving of attention.

“Coughing is a common reflex we experience daily — often due to irritants like smoke, dust, or dryness,” says Dr. Eleanor James, a respiratory specialist at King’s College London. “Sneezing, however, tends to feel more out of the ordinary and sudden, which might be why it triggers social responses.”

In short, a cough is like a hiccup — mildly annoying, but not alarming. A sneeze feels dramatic and uncontrolled, drawing public attention.

Sneezing Was Once a Sign of Affliction; Coughing Was Just a Nuisance

During plague outbreaks and flu epidemics, sneezes were early warning signs of infection. Coughing, while symptomatic of many illnesses, didn’t carry the same fear-driven associations. That legacy still lingers in how we respond today.

Language and Cultural Traditions Around Sneezing

The English-speaking world isn’t alone in this quirk. Almost every language has its own way of acknowledging a sneeze.

• German: “Gesundheit” — meaning “health”
• Spanish: “Salud” — also “health”
• Arabic: “Yarhamuk Allah” — “May God have mercy on you”
• Hindi/Urdu: “Jeevet sharadah shatam” — “May you live a hundred years”

Interestingly, no equivalent phrases exist for coughing. This reinforces the global idea that sneezes are unique social signals requiring a verbal response.

The Psychology of Social Rituals

The act of saying “Bless you” isn’t just about superstition; it’s about community, empathy, and social bonding.

“These micro-expressions of concern help reinforce group identity,” notes Dr. Maya Richards, a behavioural psychologist at University College London. “Saying ‘Bless you’ is a way of showing ‘I noticed you; I care.'”

Coughs, being more mundane, don’t elicit the same empathy trigger. They blend into the background noise of daily life, while a sneeze interrupts the moment.

Modern Attitudes: A Shift in Norms?

Post-COVID, some people have become more wary of any respiratory symptom. Saying “Bless you” in a public place now feels more loaded — almost as though acknowledging a sneeze draws unwanted attention.

“Nowadays, sneezing in public is met with side-eyes, not blessings,” a friend joked to me recently. And it’s true — the pandemic has shifted how we perceive even minor health cues.

Yet, despite this shift, the tradition of saying “Bless you” persists. Habit? Maybe. Or perhaps it’s something deeper — a shared ritual that makes us feel a little more connected in an increasingly disconnected world.

So… Should We Say Something for Coughs?

If “Bless you” is a social cue for compassion, shouldn’t coughers get the same treatment?

Some think so. A few etiquette experts suggest offering a simple “Hope you’re okay” or “Take care” in response to persistent coughing, especially when it seems serious. However, there’s no widespread cultural script for it.

And maybe that’s okay.

“Not every bodily sound needs a social ritual,” Dr. Richards points out. “But we can always choose kindness when someone is visibly uncomfortable.”

Actionable Takeaways

• Recognise the Power of Small Rituals: Simple phrases like “Bless you” help build micro-connections in everyday life.
• Show Empathy Beyond Norms: Even if there’s no tradition for it, responding kindly to a cough or visible discomfort can brighten someone’s day.
• Understand the Origins of Habits: Many social customs are rooted in history, and understanding them helps us reflect on how we treat others today.

FAQs

Why do people say “Bless you” when someone sneezes?

The phrase originated as a religious or superstitious act — especially during plague outbreaks — to protect the sneezer’s soul or wish them health.

Is sneezing actually dangerous?

No, though in earlier centuries, it was associated with fatal illnesses like the plague. Physiologically, sneezing does not stop your heart, despite popular myths.

Why don’t we say anything for coughs?

Coughing is more common, less abrupt, and historically not tied to life-threatening events the way sneezing was. It’s considered a routine reflex, so social rituals didn’t develop around it.

Is it still appropriate to say “Bless you” post-COVID?

It depends on context and comfort. Some people still appreciate it, while others may feel awkward due to heightened health awareness.

If you’ve ever wondered about other social customs we take for granted, this might just be the start. So next time someone sneezes, bless them — not because you fear for their soul, but because it’s a tiny act of kindness in a busy world.

What are your thoughts? Do you say “Bless you” — and if so, why? Let me know in the comments below.

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