“Swearing produces a hypoalgesic effect, increasing pain tolerance and pain threshold, while reducing pain perception,” according to a communication professor in the UK who conducted a study on swear words. It seems that of all the words in the English language, one came up far more frequently on this trip than any other. To highlight that point - this Tik Tok.

Why are those four letter words so satisfying to say? In my opinion one reason could be because they are taboo to begin with. Often times we use swear words to cope with bad, painful, or out-of-bounds situations. Using words that share an aspect of your current situation is cathartic.

From a linguistics perspective, most swear words start with soft consonants end in hard consonants. This makes them great for shouting, and punctuating high-octane situations. Maybe that in its self is bull****, but I think the argument could be made.

My grandmother always said that a person who shares shows their imbecility through a lack of vocabulary. There is always a better (and importantly) more accurate word to describe how you’re feeling than a swear word. Sorry in advance for this one, Mimi.

I’ll leave you with two questions to ponder: What is your favorite swear word? If not swear words, what are some great substitutes?