🧠 Swearing, a natural booster of physical performance

During intense effort, it is not uncommon for a swear word to escape spontaneously. This reaction, often perceived as vulgar, could actually hide a boost to surpass one's physical limits. Recent work indicates that this seemingly negative habit helps improve results during demanding tasks.

A study published in the journal American Psychologist reveals that the use of swear words allows individuals to hold out longer during exercises like chair push-ups. Researchers noted a significant increase in endurance among participants who swore regularly during the effort, compared to those who used neutral terms. This finding builds on previous observations regarding pain tolerance.


According to scientists, this effect is explained by a release of psychological constraints. Richard Stephens from Keele University specifies that swearing helps free oneself from social and mental brakes, facilitating deeper engagement in the activity. This state of disinhibition encourages people to draw on their resources without restraint, thus promoting better execution.

To verify this hypothesis, two experiments involved nearly 200 volunteers performing chair push-ups while repeating either a swear word or a neutral word. Subsequently, questionnaires assessed their mental state, including positive emotions, level of distraction, and self-confidence. The data confirmed a link between swearing and prolongation of effort.

The analyses show that the benefits primarily come from an increase in flow state, characterized by intense concentration and immersion in the task. The reduction of distractions and gain in confidence also contribute to this improvement. In this way, swearing acts as a simple tool to access a mental state conducive to performance.

These results open perspectives for other domains where hesitation is an obstacle. Nicholas Washmuth from the University of Alabama in Huntsville mentions ongoing research on public speaking and romantic behaviors. The goal is to understand if this effect can extend beyond physical challenges to help in delicate social situations.

The study indicates that this practice requires neither special equipment nor specific skill, making it accessible to everyone. It offers an interesting lead to naturally optimize one's abilities, although complementary work is necessary to pinpoint all applications.

How the brain reacts to swearing

Swearing activates brain regions linked to emotions and pain processing. Brain imaging studies indicate that these words trigger a rapid response in the limbic system, the seat of affective reactions. This activation can modify the perception of unpleasant stimuli, partly explaining their role in managing discomfort.

This neurological reaction is often associated with a release of endorphins, chemical substances produced by the body to alleviate pain. When a person swears in the face of effort, this mechanism could reduce the sensation of fatigue or suffering, allowing to maintain the activity longer. It is a natural adaptation to cope with stress.

Unlike ordinary language, swear words are processed more automatically and emotionally by the brain. They partially bypass the circuits of rational thought, which facilitates an immediate response. This particularity explains why they are so effective at breaking mental barriers and encouraging action without delay.

Understanding these processes helps grasp why swear words are used in various frameworks, from extreme sports to daily stressful situations. They represent a form of primitive communication that mobilizes specific brain resources, offering a functional advantage in certain scenarios.