Why swearing is actually good for you
If you’ve been minding your p’s and q’s your whole life, it could well be time to relax and loosen up a little. New research shows that swearing can actually be quite beneficial.
In a thorough review of the subject, London author Emma Byrne’s Swearing Is Good for You: The Amazing Science of Bad Language, claims that we shouldn’t be trying so hard to hide the fact that we swear.
Speaking to The New York Post, Byrne says, “We spend so much time saying, ‘Oh, you mustn’t swear in front of this person,’ or ‘I hope my kids don’t swear,’ but at the same time, we all do it.”
Bryne adds, “We have this odd relationship of trying to cure ourselves of something that’s obviously so beneficial.”
Some of the benefits include pain relief, according to Psychologist Richard Stephens. He conducted an experiment, asking the subjects to hold their hand in ice water as long as possible, twice.
In one instance they were allowed to swear, while the second time they were only allowed to say neutral words such as ‘wooden’.
The swearing allegedly helped them to keep their hand in the ice longer, while also reducing their perception of pain.
You can also use swearing as a way to emphasise your point and appear more commanding. According to news.com.au some 1990s research found that public speakers using a well-timed “damn” were considered more persuasive.
Furthermore, Byrne notes that workers who swear together succeed together, too.
“Research shows that swearing can help build teams,” Byrne reveals.
“From the factory floor to the operating room, scientists have shown that teams who share a vulgar lexicon tend to work more effectively together, feel closer and be more productive than those who don’t.”
What is your stance on swearing? Are you for or against it? Tell us in the comments below.