Worried About Swearing Too Much? Science Says You Shouldn't Be

Ironically, the fact that many people don’t use profanity is what gives it power. Telling people that it’s okay to say taboo words only works as long as most people don’t listen. Once the f-bomb becomes commonplace it’s no longer an expedient way to express strong emotions. Similar to building up a tolerance to caffeine, the effect is diminished if you use it a lot.

If saying something benign like “peanut butter fudge” made you grip the pliers harder then the effect wouldn’t be due to the power of words but rather it would be due to your core muscles engaging and bracing your body.

So I’m going to do my part and not encourage anyone to use profanity, and I’ll only use it when I need to.

I went through a phase where I tried to curb my casual profanity and use “dag nab it” or “confound it” or the like.

One day I stubbed my toe and came out with a “gosh fucking darn it!!!!”

Archie : How very interesting. You're a true vulgarian, aren't you?

Otto : You are the vulgarian, you fuck.