Want Swearing to Make You Stronger? Humor Is Key

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What would be the first word out of your mouth if you stubbed your toe or bonked your head? Most people would automatically shout out a swear word. Swearing has the power to reduce the sensation of pain. New research suggests that repeating a swear word that people use when they accidentally hurt themselves—which for most people is the F-bomb—can also improve physical strength while doing push-ups.

But there's a surprising caveat: The ability of self-talk that includes swear words to increase physical strength appears to be mediated by humor.

For example, if someone thinks saying the F-bomb a few times in a row is funny, it fortifies strength and resilience. However, if they don't find repeating a particular swear word humorous, physical power doesn't increase as much. These findings (Stephens et al., 2022) were published on March 23 in the Quarterly Journal of Experimental Psychology.

Another recent study led by Richard Stephens of Keele University found that, on average, when people repeatedly said their favorite swear words, it increased pain tolerance by about 33 percent compared to when they used non-expletives. Interestingly, using fake swear words like "fouch" or "twizpipe" in lieu of actual expletives didn't have the same hypoalgesic effects.

Swearing Triggers Arousal Via a Dopamine-Driven Behavioral Activation System

Swearing is considered a "hot cognition" that triggers a state of arousal via the Behavioral Activation System (BAS), which overrides inhibition caused by the Behavioral Inhibition System (BIS). The BAS is a dopamine-mediated circuit that promotes disinhibition and "going for it" when seeking rewards.

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Previous research on the so-called "F*ck It Effect" found that dropping the F-bomb activates the BAS, boosting self-confidence and reducing state anxiety. Quietly dropping the F-bomb under one's breath in situations where someone feels anxious, insecure, or has concerns about "social desirability" can be empowering.

If Swearing Seems Humorous, It Makes Us Stronger

In their latest swearing study, Stephens et al. found that when someone describes repeating a swear word as "funny or humorous," he or she tends to perform better on a physically demanding task. The researchers speculate that when repeating a swear word is perceived as being humorous, it activates the BAS in a way that helps people "let go" while also fortifying their gusto.

"Swearing appears to produce a state of 'hot cognitions' helping us downplay everyday fears and concerns. This can lead to benefits in some situations, such as physical strength, shown by our participants being able to hold the chair push-up for a longer time after swearing," Stephens said in a Keele University report.

"[This research] provides evidence of several possible psychological routes by which this may come about, all related to lowering self-control or 'letting go,'" he added. "But the funny side of swearing turned out to be the most important factor we assessed. Generating humor may be one element by which swearing can help people in everyday situations by just 'going for it' a little more."

To Swear or Not to Swear? That Is the Question

Swearing is considered rude, offensive, and inappropriate in most situations. People who use swear words on TV or radio get bleeped for a reason. In our day-to-day lives, cursing someone out is verbally abusive and can cause emotional harm. But swearing isn't always harmful or despicable. In some situations, swear words are funny and laughter-inducing. They're also cathartic and can alleviate pain.

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The latest (2022) research by Stephens et al. suggests that there's a time and place when swearing is beneficial. If dropping the F-bomb is done in a light-hearted manner and with a sense of humor, it appears to increase strength and stamina. That said, more research is needed to confirm these findings.