People Who Swear Make Better Friends, Study Says

Hey there, potty mouth; I have some good news for you! A study found that people who swear make better friends. That’s not all! Turns out, there are a slew of other studies touting the benefits of a bad mouth.

People Who Swear Make Better Friends, Study Says

Swearing serves as a unique social bonding mechanism, allowing friends to express solidarity and shared experiences. Think about it: when you’re with close friends, a well-timed expletive can lead to laughter and connection, creating a sense of intimacy that more sanitized language might not convey.

When I saw a headline proclaiming that people who swear make better friends, I was ready to call bull-poo. Of course, being a woman who swears, I used the less family-friendly version of ‘poo’ in my mind. How can that be? After all, society tells us that only uncouth, unintelligent, and inappropriate people resort to using “foul language.”

Additionally, swearing can also act as a form of stress relief. In moments of frustration or anger, letting out a curse word can provide immediate emotional release. This outlet helps in coping with difficult situations, making friends feel more relaxed and open with one another.

For generations, we’ve been told to watch our mouths. Interestingly, the fact that people who swear don’t watch their mouths may just be what makes them better friends.

Moreover, swearing can create a unique language among friends, turning expletives into terms of endearment or inside jokes. For instance, friends might develop a shorthand language where certain swear words or phrases hold specific meanings that only they understand, strengthening their bond.

Dr. David Stillwell, the co-author of the study’s research paper, explains, ” Swearing is often inappropriate but it can also be evidence that someone is telling you their honest opinion. Just as they aren’t filtering their language to be more palatable, they’re also not filtering their views. ”

Swearing really is an act of honesty if you think about it. By not censoring yourself, you’re showing that you are willing to be truthful to yourself and others, even if society frowns upon what you’re saying.

If being a better friend isn’t enough to convince you that it’s okay to let out those “f-bombs” every once in a while, maybe the next section will! Let’s look at some of the other things science says about “bad” language.

What else does science say about swearing?

Science actually has quite a bit to say about swearing. For starters, one study published in the NeuroReport journal found that swearing can increase our tolerance to pain. In other words, letting out that string of expletives when you stub your toe can actually work as a bit of a pain reliever.

Another study found a link between swearing and emotional arousal. Imagine that you’re listening to a recording of the final moments of a fatal car crash. You hear the crash, then the driver let out a string of expletives.

Interestingly, swearing also taps into our emotional brain. It can trigger stronger emotional responses, which can help friends remember shared experiences more vividly. For example, a friend might recall a moment of excitement or frustration, along with the colorful language used, making the memory more impactful.

Here’s a good one for the gym! A 2017 British Psychological Society study discovered that swearing during a workout actually makes you stronger. So, when you’re pushing yourself to finish that last stretch of a run or bike ride, try letting out those expletives running through your mind. Of course, make sure there aren’t any kids around first. This brings us to…

In a more practical sense, swearing can help in sports and physical activities. The adrenaline rush associated with cursing can enhance performance. Many athletes report that shouting an expletive helps them push through pain barriers during intense training sessions, which can lead to better results and stronger camaraderie among teammates.

Make sure you’re swearing appropriately

Although science does actually seem to support the idea that people who swear make better friends, letting out a barrage of f-bombs isn’t always appropriate. In fact, it could actually cost you friends.

However, it’s essential to understand the context in which swearing occurs. Different environments require different levels of decorum. In casual settings, swearing can strengthen bonds, while in professional or formal situations, it may lead to misunderstandings or offend others.

People who swear make better friends and that’s a fact.

In conclusion, the relationship between swearing and friendship is complex and multifaceted. It reflects honesty, emotional release, and social bonding, indicating that people who swear may indeed make better friends. Understanding how and when to swear can lead to stronger connections, as long as it’s done thoughtfully and in the right context.

So next time you hear a friend let loose with a curse word, remember that it might just be their way of showing their true self and fostering a deeper friendship. Ultimately, people who swear can create a powerful bond that transcends mere words.

Ultimately, the key to using swear words effectively lies in knowing your audience. Friends who understand each other’s humor and communication styles can use swearing to enhance their friendship.

In contrast, when used inappropriately or in front of those who disapprove, it can be detrimental to social relationships. Therefore, being mindful of context and the company you keep is crucial in navigating the complexities of swearing in friendships.