New research confirms what many gym-goers suspect: swearing can actually make you physically stronger. A study led by researchers at Keele University and the University of Alabama demonstrates that using profanity improves physical performance by altering psychological state. The findings suggest swearing helps people overcome self-imposed limits, increasing effort and endurance.
The Science Behind the Swear
Psychology researcher Richard Stephens explains that humans often hold back from exerting maximum effort, either consciously or unconsciously. Swearing bypasses these inhibitions by inducing focus, confidence, and reducing distractions. This isn’t just anecdotal; the study provides empirical evidence for a physiological benefit.
The research team conducted two experiments with a total of 182 participants between the ages of 18 and 65. Participants were asked to perform chair push-ups—lifting their body weight off a chair using only arm strength—while repeating either a swear word or a neutral word. The results were clear: those who swore held the position longer.
Psychological Effects of Profanity
The experiments didn’t just measure strength; they also assessed psychological changes. Participants using swear words exhibited higher levels of state disinhibition, meaning they felt less constrained by consequences. This was reflected in increased measures of humor, psychological flow, self-confidence, and distraction.
The researchers found that swearing promotes a state more conducive to maximizing effort. In other words, swearing may not just feel empowering; it actually is. Participants reported higher positive emotion and novelty when using profanity, suggesting that swearing can make workouts more enjoyable.
Implications and Further Research
While the study doesn’t definitively prove that swearing alters inhibitions, the findings strongly suggest a psychological advantage. Stephens notes that swearing is a “calorie-neutral, drug-free, low-cost, readily available tool” for boosting performance. The ease of access and effectiveness make swearing a uniquely advantageous behavior.
More research is needed to fully understand how profanity affects inhibitions. However, the current evidence underscores why swearing is so prevalent in human language. It’s not just a social taboo; it’s a built-in performance enhancer.
