Guest 745- Registered: 27 Mar 2012
- Posts: 3,370
#1
Is swearing good for you
@#$%! The next time you feel the urge to swear, don't hold back. Researchers say that letting out the occasional expletive may actually be good for you.
A new study from Britain's Keele University has found that swearing can offer pain relief, The Independentreports.
Researchers showed that people who cursed only a few times a day doubled the time they were able to withstand an "ice-water challenge," which required them to hold their hands in a container of ice-cold water for as long as they could. Apparently there's a threshold to the beneficial effects of swearing, though.
Potty-mouths who admitted to "chain-swearing" up to 60 curse words a day did not perform any better on a similar challenge than those who let out the occasional swear.
Scientists explain cursing triggers an emotional response that leads to "stress-induced analgesia" and a surge of adrenaline, The Independent says. But people who swear like sailors can release expletives without having an emotional response, so they don't get the same analgesic effects.
Study author Richard Stephens of the university's school of psychology, told the newspaper there's no "recommended daily swearing allowance."
"It would be silly to advocate swearing on the National Health Service," he said. "But swearing seems to activate parts of the brain that are more associated with emotions. In the context of pain, swearing appears to serve as a simple form of emotional self-management."
It's also unclear whether certain profanities are more effective as pain relievers than others.
This latest research may help to explain a phenomenon observed during the 2009 recession, when a spike in outbursts of profanity was reported.
According toMSNBC, Americans noticed changes at the time in their cussing habits, letting out curse words whenever they'd check their 401(k) statements and the plunging markets.
If you're trying to cut down on cursing, though, here'sa list of alternative profanities that have yet to be scientifically tested for their analgesic effects. A sampling: "William Shatner!" "Cheeses!" "Pluck it!"
How often do you swear? And do you use any creative alternatives to curse words?
Keith Sansum1
- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#2
my father in law who is sady no longer with us never swore ever, and was a true gent, finding the good in everyone.
he replaced swear words with words like';
stone the crows
blast it
etc
even to his dieing day he made a cassette tape for his grandchildren for the future
he told me on the monday at the hospita;l when i said see you friday
he said i wont be here frifday and he died on the thursday
sorry keith for moving away from your original thread
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Guest 745- Registered: 27 Mar 2012
- Posts: 3,370
#3
I always say Fidel sticks ,hard to believe isn't it.
Guest 643- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 1,321
#4
I don't think its what you say its more how you feel when you say it.
When my two youngest lads were little and got cross I taught them to say "Oh catalogue" or Oh hovercraft" lol It made them feel better and made us laugh but how much nicer than the words I hear coming from some children these days.
When I hear children using the F word and worse I hate it, but they are copying what they've heard adults say, they don't know the meaning of the words. I even hear children swearing at their teachers and TAs in my job - where's it all going to end. Keith S - your father in law was right - he proves my point.
There's always a little truth behind every "Just kidding", a little emotion behind every "I don't care" and a little pain behind every "I'm ok".
Guest 696- Registered: 31 Mar 2010
- Posts: 8,115
#5
To satisfy the heart, the holy kiss is optimal.
It is the opposite to swearing.
My practices are somewhat akin to those of the Orthodox Church. Although I never make the sign of the cross, my room always has a central Altar, and many side altars.
It's rather iconic indeed, however, swearing is frowned upon.
Trying to figure out a cause of swearing, it could come from noises such as an insistently barking dog, or some other irritating noise. The best remedy is to close the window.
Swearing usually leads to more swearing, and so can become a habit. It increases frustration. And also of note, women tend not to appreciate swear words, but prefer affectionate words.
To smile as a sign of being happy is the opposite of swearing,.
#6
I swear consistently and with an inventive combination of obscenities that are verging on the poetic.
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
#7
golly gosh a non swearing thread.[must apolgize for using golly in golly gosh before any one moans].
Keith Sansum1- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#8
have to be honest i swear
but sometimes it can be a relief
of course im choosy as to whos company- i swear in
would never swear in front of champagne socialist paulb lol
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Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,931
#9
I admit I swear in private or with adult family members or some friends, otherwise I use "bother" or "sausages" or "sugar".
It is so sad to hear children on the way to school using swear words as a simple adjective, especially as at that age I had never heard of them.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Terry Nunn
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,321
#10
There was a tv programme about this a while ago. The presenter, I forget who, had to put his hand in freezing water to see how long he could take it. First, it was without speaking, then after a while, swearing. He lasted a lot longer swearing.
Brian Blessed, bless him, then had a go. There was very little difference in his times. The reasons being, allegedly, that the presenter didn't normally swear whereas Brian did.
Part of my working life was factory based and dealing with the army. In both, swearing was part of the culture.
There is a time and a place for everything.
Terry
Quis custodiet ipsos custodes?
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
#11
Children easily pick them up. When my grandson was 18 months old he was in the kitchen with his dad who was making breakfast. Simon dropped something on the floor and said something I couldn't quite hear from the lounge where I was sitting. Oliver, however, toddled straight out of the kitchen and proudly announced: "Ba.....ga."
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Guest 745- Registered: 27 Mar 2012
- Posts: 3,370
#12
Sarah P 6
Maybe you could give us some of your poetic combinations, for the entertainment of the more open minded amongst us.
#13
I dont think they would be appropriate or appreciated Keith
Guest 656- Registered: 13 Mar 2008
- Posts: 2,262
#14
Keef, swearing with PaulB, no probs, us Irish use swear words like feic (feck) and gobs..te and loads more Gaelic ones. Dunno, but they somehow don't seem too offensive
Personally, I do think it completely depends on the situation, given the right occasion I'm guilty myself of using what I would call proper swear words
Guest 743- Registered: 28 Feb 2012
- Posts: 260
#15
OH YES
Guest 700- Registered: 11 Jun 2010
- Posts: 2,868
#16
If you choose your 'own' word for when you're angry, no need to be offensive, and you can change the word every now and again !! It should be just as effective.
Especially if other people don't understand it !!
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Lincolnshire Born and Bred
Keith Sansum1- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#17
its all about where you are at the time
collette;
wouldn't want paulb to choke on his pink champagne
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