Society has often perceived those who use curse words as just that… cursed. They are seen as less sophisticated, less intelligent, and unsavory characters.
But studies show that this isn’t the case.
In fact, they may be more intelligent, honest, and better at communicating that their non-swear word using counterparts. A joint study between researchers in the Netherlands and Pennsylvania found that swearing can be good for your well being.
While swearing used to be considered as a sign of one’s lack of vocabulary and intelligence, the new study says that it’s just the opposite. Researchers say that cursing may be linked to a higher IQ and more expansive vocabulary, according to Huffington Post.
Those that are fond of swear words are also more likely to lie less and have higher levels of integrity.
Cursing was also found to be an effective way to communicate that helps to boost the effectiveness and persuasiveness of one’s argument. It helps to convey one’s feeling on a subject without having to fully explain the matter or resorting to physical violence.
“In addition to these intra-individual functions, swearing also serves several important inter-individual functions. For example, swearing may inhibit unwanted behaviors of others or may influence how positively a speaker’s persuasiveness and credibility is perceived. Swearing can further convey a sense of solidarity and stimulate group binding, or it can be used as a clarification of a certain group identity” the study says. “
Swearing also serves as a cathartic release that releases stress.
It can also increase your tolerance to pain. Cursing is believed to activate the body’s release of natural pain-relieving chemicals that soothe in the same manner that prescription painkillers would.
“By its strong expressive power, swearing may provide a sense of stress relief and can function as a replacement behavior for physical aggression,” the study explains. “There is also some evidence to suggest that swearing may provide a higher pain tolerance for the person who swears though the precise mechanisms for this remain unclear.”
Cursing may also be the key to an effective workout.
A 2017 study of bicyclists found that the cyclists who used curse words had an increased performance over those that used neutral words.
“The health benefits of swearing include increased circulation, elevated endorphins, and an overall sense of calm, control and well-being,” psychiatrist and author of Heaven and Hell: The Psychology of the Emotions Neel Burton wrote in Psychology Today.
Burton says that cursing can increase circulation, elevated endorphins, and an overall sense of calm, control, and well-being.
“The key is to do it sparingly and not to get angry at the same time, which would be very bad for you – as well as terribly vulgar,” he said.
Swearing also helps us to feel better about situations where we feel powerless.
“Swearing can give us a greater sense of power and control over a bad situation. By swearing, we show, if only to ourselves, that we are not passive victims, but rather we are empowered to react and fight back,” Burton explains. “This can boost our confidence and self-esteem and also provide the impetus for further corrective action to be taken.”
Despite all the benefits that come with swearing, those who swear still face social repercussions.
“However, because of its powerful nature, swearing may also cause negative effects for the swearing person,” the study reads. “For example, frequent swearing may lead to a loss of image of the person who swears and even may lessen the swearer’s social support.”
So the next time you get any guff for your choice of words, just whip out this study.
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