Swearing isn’t just a social taboo—research shows it can actually improve physical and mental performance. A new study from Keele University in the UK reinforces earlier findings that using expletives can help people push harder, focus better, and even experience a state of psychological flow during challenging tasks.
The Science Behind the Swear
Psychologist Richard Stephens and his team have repeatedly demonstrated the link between swearing and enhanced physical capabilities. In experiments, participants who swore while performing exercises like hand submersion in ice water or chair push-ups consistently outperformed those who used neutral words.
The latest research, published in American Psychologist, involved 192 volunteers who swore or said neutral words every two seconds during chair push-ups. Participants who swore lasted longer and reported higher levels of confidence, focus, and emotional positivity. This suggests swearing isn’t just about venting frustration—it’s a psychological tool.
How Does It Work?
The exact mechanism isn’t fully understood, but the study points to a connection between swearing and psychological flow. Swearing may temporarily disinhibit people, allowing them to push past self-imposed limits. It’s a readily available “boost” that requires no drugs, calories, or special equipment.
“Swearing is literally a calorie neutral, drug free, low cost, readily available tool at our disposal for when we need a boost in performance.”
Implications and Real-World Use
These findings have implications for athletics, physical rehabilitation, and any situation where peak performance is critical. The researchers suggest swearing could be a simple, accessible intervention to help people “not hold back” when facing strenuous or stressful tasks.
While social consequences exist, the study suggests the benefits may outweigh the drawbacks in certain contexts. So, if you’re about to tackle a tough workout or a high-pressure situation, don’t hesitate to let out a well-timed expletive—it might just give you the edge you need.
