In consideration of all of my readers, posts with profanity are labeled.
Profane language is considered rude in most situations and usually frowned upon in elevated discussions. The rumor is that people only use profane language when they don’t have the education to use proper language.
It’s important that professional and sacred forums consider the feelings of all participants when choosing language use.
However, in real life, there are situations where the word “bullshit” is a more effective choice than the word “sophistry.”
But “with great power comes great responsibility.”
When I employ strong language, I’m leveraging the power of profanity to express my emotions in a clear, and productive manner. It’s expression of honest emotion, not irreverence.
The Psychology behind Swearing
Have you ever stubbed your toe and immediately let out a string of colorful expletives? Or felt an intense surge of relief after letting out a loud curse word? This phenomenon, known as lalochezia, has intrigued psychologists for years.
What is Lalochezia?
Lalochezia is the emotional relief that comes from swearing or using profane language. The term stems from the Greek words lalia, meaning speech, and chezo, meaning to relieve oneself. It is the act of releasing pent-up emotions through the use of vulgar or taboo language. While swearing is seen as rude or inappropriate, lalochezia serves a purpose in allowing individuals to express their feelings in a powerful and cathartic way.
The Psychology behind Swearing
Swearing has long been associated with strong emotions such as anger, frustration, or pain. When we experience intense feelings, our brains go into fight-or-flight mode, triggering a release of adrenaline and other stress hormones. Swearing can act as a release valve for these emotions, providing a sense of relief and helping to regulate our emotional state.
Research has shown that swearing can actually reduce the perception of pain. A study published in the journal NeuroReport found that participants who swore while submerging their hand in icy water were able to withstand the pain for longer periods of time than those who used neutral language. This suggests that swearing may have a numbing effect on the brain, helping to lessen the perception of physical discomfort.
