According to Google U, a sneeze is a precursor to illness, so you wish them health (gesundheit) or give a blessing in the hope that they’ll remain well. Pope Gregory (6th century, during the plague) is said to have introduced “God bless you”.
A version of this predates the first century when someone stated he had no idea where it came from but it’s been around for a while.I’ve always hated this phrase. One version said it stops the soul from leaving the body. If I ever had a soul, it left a LONG time ago, and this will not be helping.
“Bless you” comes from the French blessé meaning injured, wounded or hurt … as in, “if you sneeze on me again I will injure, wound and hurt you, but get well soon”
In these days of paranoia over the flu and the corona virus, Rat is about right. I sneezed into a tissue a few weeks ago when I was shopping in the detergent aisle at the grocery store. I tried to mitigate the nasty looks by saying loudly, “Dang perfume allergy!”
BE THIS GUY almost 5 years ago
I hate it when Rat is right.
Orcatime almost 5 years ago
It was actually said under the belief that your heart stops after you’ve sneezed.
B UTTONS almost 5 years ago
Rat. Black plague is spread by rats and fleas.
Leojim almost 5 years ago
Oh no, that makes sense……….. this is sad.
Templo S.U.D. almost 5 years ago
I’ve read that in Japan, the sneezer excuses himself.
Sherlock Watson almost 5 years ago
So should we replace “Gesundheit” with “Get away from me”?
Concretionist almost 5 years ago
According to Google U, a sneeze is a precursor to illness, so you wish them health (gesundheit) or give a blessing in the hope that they’ll remain well. Pope Gregory (6th century, during the plague) is said to have introduced “God bless you”.
kaffekup almost 5 years ago
Someone once said sneezing uses the same nerves that an orgasm uses.
So, for sneezing fits, I take ragweed.
hariseldon59 almost 5 years ago
Allergies aren’t contagious.
gopher gofer almost 5 years ago
i’ve been doing this for years…
Gent almost 5 years ago
Nowadays when someone AACHOOs, people just run away closing their mouths and nose with their hands.
Kind&Kinder almost 5 years ago
Well, when you’re in the middle of the Black Plague, ya gotta say something when a sneeze means someone near you probably has it!
Packratjohn Premium Member almost 5 years ago
I don’t say anything to the sneezer. They know they sneezed. Everyone around knows they sneezed. No one needs me to point out that they sneezed.
jel354 almost 5 years ago
Reminiscent of an early Foxtrot strip in which Jason tells Eileen “Curse You” after a sneeze.
matthew almost 5 years ago
That’s the difference between “correct” and “right”.
asrialfeeple almost 5 years ago
You ever hear of incubation time, Rat?
Defective Premium Member almost 5 years ago
A version of this predates the first century when someone stated he had no idea where it came from but it’s been around for a while.I’ve always hated this phrase. One version said it stops the soul from leaving the body. If I ever had a soul, it left a LONG time ago, and this will not be helping.
Denver Reader Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Bless me for pointing that out Stephen.
YippiKiAyMofo almost 5 years ago
Go home, Goat! You’re not doing anyone any favors by dragging your disease with you everywhere you go!
nosirrom almost 5 years ago
Make sneezing fun. Next time say “AHCHEWYBROWNIE”
uniquename almost 5 years ago
I’ve always wondered, what if he’s sneezing because of an allergy? Is he spreading less germs? Allergens? Allergen infused germs?
DiminishedFirst almost 5 years ago
A good friend, upon sneezing and hearing no response from anyone present, would say “Bless me. Thank me. I’m welcome.”
colddonkey almost 5 years ago
Tell Goat you are suppose to sneeze in your elbow not your hands/hooves what ever they call goat hands.
Snolep almost 5 years ago
They should all be wearing face masks!
Linguist almost 5 years ago
With this new virus, people have stopped saying “Bless you” when someone sneezes, and instead ask “You O.K.?”
Greyhame almost 5 years ago
It is my contention that the original meaning of “How are you?” was “Should I keep my distance?”
aerotica69 almost 5 years ago
I will contribute to the continuation of this trend, if only to confuse my coworkers.
Mac almost 5 years ago
“Bless you” comes from the French blessé meaning injured, wounded or hurt … as in, “if you sneeze on me again I will injure, wound and hurt you, but get well soon”
DCBakerEsq almost 5 years ago
Best defense for the coronavirus?
Zebrastripes almost 5 years ago
RAT is on a roll…..God Bless RAT!
marilynnbyerly almost 5 years ago
In these days of paranoia over the flu and the corona virus, Rat is about right. I sneezed into a tissue a few weeks ago when I was shopping in the detergent aisle at the grocery store. I tried to mitigate the nasty looks by saying loudly, “Dang perfume allergy!”
Ellis97 almost 5 years ago
News flash, Rat! You carried the plague.
zeexenon almost 5 years ago
Hey folks, give rat a break. After all, the kid did say, “God bless Us, Every One!”
carlzr almost 5 years ago
How about saying “OH NO! CORONAVIRUS!” in a loud voice?
cawingcrow almost 5 years ago
In my family it is Gesundheit — intent can be said to cover everyone in the conversation.
knight1192a almost 5 years ago
Not logical at all.
Woody157 almost 5 years ago
What does God say when he sneezes?
Sisyphos almost 5 years ago
What’s wrong with the world when Rat makes sense?!
Sapphire Sword almost 5 years ago
Pig: achoo!
Rat: tofu
(Old strip)
Todd Nordhoff Premium Member almost 5 years ago
Chuck Norris, Goat!
Future Reuben Recipient over 4 years ago
I never say bless you cuz it does nothing. I aint no god.
Sapphire Sword over 4 years ago
How about the Person who sneezes says “bless you” ?
LOAFY almost 4 years ago
The further into 2020 we got the more relevant this strip became