When you stub your toe or knock your elbow, the first thing that comes to mind probably isn’t “gosh darn it,” or “barnacles” (unless you’re SpongeBob). No, when most of us are in pain, we usually think of a good old-fashioned curse word. It turns out this may be a good thing. According to a team scientists, swearing may actually help us brave through pain.
In the study, testers had to stick their hands in icy water. Those who cursed reported less pain and generally lasted longer than the non-cursers. This conclusion seems obvious for a few reasons. First, cursing is like exhaling. It’s a quick release of pent-up feeling and emotion. I always feel better after throwing around some of my favorite naughty words (even if there wasn’t exactly good cause). Second, yelling an expletive is like biting down on a knife. It’s a way of hunkering down and riding out the bad feelings. And, if I take the time to try and tone it down by coming up with a non-curse, I’m in more pain from delaying the reaction.
So, feel free to curse like a sailor the next time you get hurt. You’re doing your body a favor.
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