"bless you" is really for sneezing...
most people are quite or don't know what to say when somebody coughs... a "are you alright ?" really doesn't count because it's a question.
Any ideas?????
2007-08-02 12:46:17 · 9 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
"Cover your mouth !"
2007-08-02 12:53:51 · answer #1 · answered by Mezmarelda 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
We say "bless you" when people sneeze because back during the Bubonic Plague days, sneezing was one of the first symptoms of the plague...so hearing someone sneeze often meant they had contracted it and would likely be dying soon...thus "God Bless You or God Bless Thy Soul"....
Coughing is merely a response to an irritant in the back of the throat...caused by either a virus, or something environmental, etc.
So, how about "Need a cough drop?"
Or, "Hey, can you cover your mouth?"
LoL Why must we always search for something to fill the silence?
Perhaps the person coughing doesn't want even more attention drawn to them than they already are...
2007-08-02 13:26:31 · answer #2 · answered by DaddiezGyrl 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I don't feel the need to say anything. Even "bless you" after a sneeze is unbelievably outdated...I think we learned looooong ago that a sneeze wasn't the expulsion of evil spirits so why comment on it? We don't comment when people belch or fart (or shouldn't).
Sneezes and coughs are just the body's reaction to an irritation...if they continue for any duration, then perhaps asking the person if they need a tissue or water or a cough drop or something would be in order.
2007-08-02 12:56:34 · answer #3 · answered by . 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Saying nothing is best. There is no response to a cough unless it's a loved one and the cough is unusual like swallowing something down the wrong way. Otherwise, coughing is normal and nothing unusual and doesn't require a response.
2007-08-02 12:52:38 · answer #4 · answered by dawnb 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Honestly, I don't think you should say anything. It's like saying something when someone blinks or something. If they have a cold and they cough for a while, then I think it would be appropriate to say something like what you suggested: "Are you okay?"
Good question though, I've never thought about it.
Peace and Happiness.
2007-08-02 12:49:43 · answer #5 · answered by Roxi 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
When you cough your anus has a minor convulsion
2007-08-02 13:49:56 · answer #6 · answered by helloooooooohelloooooooohelloooo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Bless us all - especially if the cougher didn't put his/her hand over his/her mouth.
The quickest way to spready your bugs in enclosed spaces
Lets ban coughers as well as smokers! :O)
2007-08-02 12:51:31 · answer #7 · answered by Jewel 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
god bless you still why should we say it onyl for sneezing.. say it all the time!!!
2007-08-02 12:48:18 · answer #8 · answered by guitarguy90 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
monkey toes.
2007-08-02 12:50:38 · answer #9 · answered by Steve G 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋