Cursing was not a serious subject of scientific research, but only a sign of aggression, primitive language or even low intelligence. But evidence is accumulating that contradicts this view.

Like it or not, we still swear from time to time. To assess the power of swearing and find out where it comes from, more than 100 scientific papers from various disciplines were analyzed on this topic.

The results of the study, published in a scientific journal, show that the use of “taboo” words has a profound effect on the way we think, act and even treat others.

In people, cursing is often associated with catharsis – the release of strong emotions. Perhaps they are different from other forms of speech and more powerful than others.

Interestingly, for multilinguals, the catharsis is almost always greater when swearing in their native language than in a later one.

Cursing causes emotions. They can be measured in autonomic responses such as sweating and sometimes a rapid heart rate. These changes suggest that cursing can trigger a fight-or-flight function.

Neuroscientific research suggests that swearing may be located in different parts of the brain than other language areas. In particular, it activates parts of the limbic system. These structures are involved in the instinctive and difficult-to-inhibit aspects of memory and emotion.

This may explain why swearing remains unchanged in brain-damaged people with speech problems.

Laboratory experiments demonstrated cognitive aspects. We know that swear words require more attention and are better remembered than other words. But it also interferes with the cognitive processing of other words/stimuli, so it seems swearing can also be a way of thinking.

This can also play a useful role. In experiments where people had to put their hand in ice water, cursing caused a reduction in pain.

In these studies, exposure to swear words elicited greater pain tolerance and a higher pain threshold than did normal words. Other studies have found greater physical strength in people after swearing.

And cursing affects relationships with others. Research in the field of communication and linguistics has shown various social purposes of cursing – from expressing aggression and provoking outrage to social connection, humor and storytelling.

Trivial language can even help us manage our identity and show intimacy, as well as increase attention and dominance over others.

More in-depth research is needed

Despite this obvious influence on our lives, we still don’t quite know where the power of the curse comes from. When we hear swearing in an unfamiliar language, it sounds like any other word and does not produce any result – there is nothing special about the sound of the word that is generally offensive.

One explanation is that “disgusting” – the use of punishment to prevent the use of profanity – typically occurs in childhood. This can cause an internal connection between language use and emotional response.

Although the hypothesis seems valid, it is supported by only a few studies that have examined memories of punishment for swearing in childhood. There are practically no empirical studies of the relationship between such memories and reactions to swearing in adulthood.

To understand the essence of how the curse has such a powerful effect on us, we must examine the nature of the memories of the curse.

What were the significant instances of swearing? Did swearing always have unpleasant consequences, such as punishment, or was it also beneficial? What has been your life experience of swearing?

Finally, studies have shown that swearing can sometimes help people bond.

Swearing is thought to have similar memory patterns to music – we remember and love the songs we listened to the most when we were teenagers. Perhaps because, like music, swearing can take on new meaning in adolescence.

This becomes an important way of responding to strong emotions and an action that shows independence from parents and connections with friends. So the jokes and songs of that time can forever be associated with memorable impressions.

A final point to consider is whether swearing will begin to lose its power as it becomes more socially acceptable and thus loses its aggression. Because by then it will definitely just be a blunder.

Even if the Romanians have more and more reasons to practice it on a large scale, and as we can see, it can only benefit them.

Sources:Talk, Science Direct