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Lord Love Him

In Southern and Appalachian English, "Lord love him" is an affectionate or pitying exclamation, like "bless his heart," expressing sympathy, indulgence, or fond exasperation.

#SouthernSayings   #Appalachia   #Animals   #PeopleandRelationships   #Nature   #Southern

synonyms: bless his heart, poor thing, Lord bless him
Hillbilly Dude Says...
When Jimmy knocked over the tea pitcher, Granny just sighed, "Lord love him," meaning she pitied him more than she was mad. 

Pronunciation

[LORD luv ’im] /lɔːrd lʌv ɪm/

Meaning & Usage

- Exclamation of pity, affection, or indulgence (saying/interjection)

Earl:
He tried to fix the fence and fell in the creek.
Troy:
Lord love him - he means well.
variations: Lord love you, Lord love her, Lord love that child
★ Like "bless his heart," "Lord love him" can be sincere, affectionate, or gently exasperated depending on tone. ★

Origin

From older British and Irish religious exclamations ("Lord love you") brought to Appalachia by Scots-Irish settlers. Documented in Southern/Appalachian oral speech since at least the 19th century.

Notes

  • Commonly used across Appalachia and the rural South; rarely heard in mainstream speech outside these regions except in historical fiction.
  • Often directed at children or someone hapless: "Lord love that boy."
  • Tag under sayings, Southern/Appalachian, and Dialect and Grammar for its distinctive interjection style.

Kin Topics

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Common Questions

Does it literally invoke a blessing?
Historically yes, but in modern speech it’s more a figure of speech showing sympathy or indulgence.
Where is it used?
Throughout the South and Appalachia, often among older or more traditional speakers.
Is it still used today?
Yes - though less common among younger people, it still pops up in storytelling and affectionate speech.
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About
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