Swearing has a number of social and personal benefits, according to a review of available research on the topic.
Some of us think that people who resort to using foul language – swearing – are probably of low intelligence or are demonstrating their poor vocabulary. However, it seems we may be wrong, according to a recent study published in the online journal Lingua.
CBC Canada News is reporting that a number of studies over the years have highlighted the social benefits of swearing. The studies showed swearing can build a sense of camaraderie and solidarity within a group, especially if that group is facing adversity or outside opposition.
Other studies have suggested that swearing can help create a sense of trust and intimacy among co-workers, sports teams, and friend groups, reports The Times.
Richard Stephens, along with his colleagues studied the psychological effects of swearing in their research paper. They found that swearing helps people tolerate pain, ease stress, build and maintain interpersonal connections, and in some cases, be more persuasive.
“I think [these studies are] really kind of putting a scientific stamp on what most people know anyway,” Stephens, a psychologist, and lecturer at Keele University in England, told As It Happens host Nil Köksal.
“People know if they hurt themselves, it’s a good idea to swear because it seems to help. People know it helps express frustration.”
So what did the researchers do to their subjects to determine if swearing can be useful? In their study, they found that participants who swore were able to keep their hands in icy water longer — and experienced pain less acutely— than those who stayed mum, according to the study.
The researchers ultimately determined the biggest motivation for cussing is to release anger and frustration, including “cope[ing] with feelings of anger in stressful road situations.”
The thing I found most interesting was the 2017 findings in an analysis of a YouTuber. The study described how swearing helped to create an online persona. It brought to mind how Donald Trump refined and honed his online media image during the run-up to the 2020 election by using a lot of vulgar language.
Stephens says “It does seem to be that the stronger the swear word, the more effect it has.” But he has a warning for those known to swear like a sailor: Swearing’s power has diminishing returns.
“We found that the people who swear the most in everyday life got the least benefit from swearing,” he said. “So, you know, don’t overdo it.”
