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[The following is a bleeping exact transcript of this podcast.]
Holy @$#%! According to neuroscientists from Britain’s Keele University, dropping the f-bomb can actually relieve physical pain. In the upcoming August 5th issue of the journal NeuroReport, the researchers say swearing is a different phenomenon than most language. It activates emotional centers in the right side of the brain, rather than those &#*@ing cerebral areas reserved for regular #$#y communication in the left hemisphere.
The researchers had groups of undergraduate students submerge their hands in a tub of witch$@&#* cold water and repeat the swear word of their choice. And students could tolerate the icy abyss much longer than when they were only allowed to say more socially acceptable words. The researchers say the foul-mouthed students also had increased heart rates, which indicates that swearing activates a &#*@ing classic “fight or flight” response. You know, when you act all bad$(# to downplay the fact that you’re scared @$#%^ss.
The study suggests that swearing is an ancient social phenomenon with both emotional and physical effects. And also that socially acceptable words don’t mean @$#% when your pain really hurts like a son-of-a-%@&$#.
> Related Article: Why the #$%! Do We Swear? For Pain Relief
—Adam Hinterthuer
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9 Comments
Add CommentI seriously doubt this is a socially significant effect.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisDrB
I doubt seriously that this is a socially significant effect.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisDrB
I seriously doubt this is a socially significant effect.
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisDrB
How can this be an 'exact transcript' if some of the 'words' are spelled '&#*@ing'
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisGreat *($&ing article! It makes sense, and is particularly well written. Thanks for the information and a good *&^%%ing laugh!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisOk, I couldn't resist writing a takeoff to the 1950s song "Cry" in reference to this article:
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisIf your sweetheart is acting like he doesnt care
It's no secret you'll feel better if you swear
When you accidentally stub your big tie
dont pretend the pains not real&.
better to let of an strong expletive than a wussy squeal
If your annoyance seem to hang around too long
And your patience keep getting short with this song
Instead of risking assault charges by pulling someone hair
So go ahead, open your mouth and SWEAR
#%#^&*(^@#$^&*!!
If you find out that the *bleep* is having an affair
It's no secret you'll feel better if you swear
Dont let anyone ever tell you
your feelings you must hide
better to yell the F word than commit a homicide!
If those **** er keep talking smack and getting rude
Id say its for you to adjust their attitude
Remember sometimes life gets to be more than you can bear
So go ahead, open your mouth and SWEAR
#%#^&*(^@#$^&*!!
So go ahead, open your mouth and #%#^&*(^@#$^&*!!
Hilarious~
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisWhat a great #$&*(# episode! Sure, the researchers didn't cure )*&^ cancer, but what the #*$()! The delivery was #$*()#ing awesome, and I had to listen 3 times to stop laughing my #$* off enough to understand the $&*#(&# research. This one should win a $#*()$*ing award!
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisJeez, I felt no pain just reading this article - cuz I was laughing so *&^%ing hard! Any studies about that kind of stuff? How about reduced pain from just reading curse words?
Reply | Report Abuse | Link to thisSeriously though, a study wasn't necessary - they could have just asked any of us regular joes; when you're mad as H@#$ and not gonna take it anymore, you're just to freakin angry to be distracted by pain.
And anyone who has ever hit his/her thumb instead of the nail with a hammer can tell you that it hurts a lot worse when your grandmother is within earshot that when you're alone!