Cursing Words Can Be Beneficial For Your Pain...I Swear!
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Parental Guidance Recommended....
Swearing and cursing are something most of us don't do on a daily basis and I'm thankful for that. I don't know about you but I believe that curse words can make one appear unattractive and uneducated. I'm not perfect and when I get fired up I have a tendency to curse but I usually regret it afterwards. I'm sure we all needed our mouths washed out with soap at one time or another.
A recent British research shows that by vocalizing curse words when injured they can actually help us endure the pain better. The study consisted of a group of people who were asked to stick their hands in ice cold water for an extended period of time. The members of the group who repeated swear words had a higher heart rate and lasted longer than the ones who used neutral words. In addition cursing can benefit your health...higher heart rate = cardiovascular workout = calorie burn = good for your health.
Think about the last time you hurt yourself? Imagine yourself saying "oh fudge, I think I twisted my ankle" .... do you really think that would help you deal with the agonizing pain? Now imagine that scenario again and picture yourself saying "#$%& it, this #$^& hurts" .... a bit less stressful, wasn't it? Granted people within earshot of you might be thrown off guard and offended but heck they aren't the ones in pain so they can deal with it.
Take into account it also depends on what type of person you are. If you're an expressive person then you will be able to deal with pain more than someone who is less passive. There are people who hold back and those who let loose. Depending on your personality is how you will react to pain. If you are normally very verbal but keep quiet during a painful incident that could make the experience much more painful for you.
There are better ways to relieve pain such as applying a compress, ice or heat but it's the initial onset of pain that makes most of us want to go "#$&@" and "&%$#"! For instance, you are slicing a bagel and cut your finger, and as you watch the blood seep out of your injury would saying, "goodness gracious I think I might need stitches" make you feel less distress? Or would an alternative saying such as "WTF, I need stitches now cause this $%^# is never going to stop @#$% bleeding, make you feel less anxious?
There are all different ways that we can react to pain and trauma. We are all unique in that way. Some of us are more creative than others. It's a fact that fear and anxiety don't cause the pain, but they can magnify the perception of the injury.
So the next time you get injured and you want to feel less excruciating pain remember that swearing does help with the hurts. Just be sure there is nobody who will be offended in hearing distance. Don't feel guilty about expressing your agony, we need to do what we need to do sometimes. Now as you go forward and encounter your bumps and bruises along the way, may you think of this hub and may it bring you some #$&*@ relief!
Disclaimer: This hub does not endorse swearing or cursing.
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You would know that :)
Very #@$%&ST True !! Great hub that kept me laughung !
Yeah... sometimes, i just don't understand why people curse so much. Even in movies, they curse and curse. Well, I do curse but only when I am alone. Just like what you have written, if in pain, cursing actually makes one feels a lot better.
I agree myi4u...too much cursing an be just plain ugly. If it makes you feel better than go for it! Thanks for your comment!
Cursing in front of unknown people would be impolite. I saw many people curse and curse, it just shows they're labil and always complaining their life
Great hub I do admit I curse when Im really angry, but try to control it especially regarding surroundings etc. :) ge
Great article. Reminds me of when cussing was a daily event for me - auto technician. You could tell what a fellow tech's problem was by the tone and word choice. As a shop manager I was tuned into their argot using it as an aid in communication. When in Rome, do as the Romans do is an adage that might apply. Though I believe today it is not civil, their are sub-cultures and differences in definitions. Take a look at bi*** and its use with our youth. It confuses me being an OG=old guy, vs. ol' gangsta LOL , , ,remember to have fun, fun, fun, , ,,
What the h*** sense does it make to go around saying a bunch of d***** curse words.... That felt good. :)
up/funny
A very interesting hub....I will try and keep this in mind the next time I hurt myself. Having small children around me 24/7 makes cussing a difficult task....I could just see my 2 year old picking up some colorful terms....Great hub Sunshine. Voted up ....useful.....and funny.
U go Fay, I like the rebel in you!!! I'm glad u were able to vent and feel better ;-)
Cogerson, you are an exception to the rule also be sure and read my disclaimer again just in case you have a slip of the tongue!!!
Thank you both for the taking the time to read and comment....always appreciated
tsmog....that's a great example of when swearing can be used in a constructive sorta way! Thanks!!
ge...a pleasure as always :-))
A great quality, well written article. Very funny. Well done!
Thank you doctor!!! :-)
tanks for post
Hahaa, I remember how happy I was when I read about that study a while back. Ever since, I've been telling people about it. Great Hub!
I was happy also!!! This was actually from an updated study that claims the more swearing the better!! hahahaha!!!
Thanks for the hub, sunshine. I've always maintained there is value in the harsher language choices. I'll try to explain (briefly) This from the viewpoint of a theatre professional.
The harsh language is connected to us emotionally. Sort of an adult version of the 'waaaaaaaaahhhhhhh' that can form a large part of child speak.
Human emotion (in english, at least) is most strongly connected to the parts of speech that require the most energetic use of breath. This means long vowels and the guteral glottal and labial stops.
When we are in pain, we are emotionally engaged. Vocalizations that also engage emotions have the best chance of changing that emotional energy. This is why you feel better when you curse after injuring your self.
If you want to control your language choices (say you have young children), try creating words that have the features of your normally chosen ones.
This is the origin of 'fudge', 'jeepers creepers' and the ever popular 'darn'
But the new word needs to have the same features as the old one; the same vowel shape, the same glottal or plosive ending to work, so best to experiment before you actually hurt yourself. Try it now. form your choice word in your mouth without vocalizing it and see what shape it has, then make up a nonsense word that does some of the same things. (One of my personal favourites is 'frak' to replace its obvious counterpart)
Its not the word that is important in this context, it is the emotional shedding of pain.
The other alternative is just learn from our children: let loose with a long 'waaaaaaaaahhhhh'.
cheers
Thank you for sharing your insightful view with us, it's much appreciated. I will try the waaaasaaaaaahhhhh next time I injure myself which I hope isn't too soon :)
LOL! Too true. I know from experience. If you 'nail' your thumb with a hammer, a simple "ouch, doggone it!!" Just doesn't cut it. ;-)
I'm not one who is offended by curse words, and I say plenty of them. They also help vent emotional frustrations over things like the economy and it's painful bite on our wallets! ;-)
That said, I am able to adapt my behaviour and vocabulary to the situation and the company. I would never curse in front of a high ranking dignitary...in fact, I am capable of sending them to the dictionary to discover that I called them a #@$@("((#$@$*!!
However, among construction workers, including stage hands, with whom I have a fair amount of experience, I can cuss like a sailor. It's a matter of "fitting in" to the group you're with.
Great hub! Voted up and now following you!
Lizzy...thank you for the comment, you cracked me up!!! I appreciate the humor, the up and the follow ... got ya back! I seriously $%#@#$ mean that!!! LOL
I remember time when I cursed after injuring my leg and it really relive the pain a bit. But I think it was not actually due to the cursing itself but rather the changes in the body when we curse. I believe this experience can be recreated via other ways such as mimicking the unpainful experience. It's hard but it's doable. :)
Voted "useful" for this writeup!
Super idea Ken! I'll keep you posted if I ever attempt to try it!!! Thank you for sharing :)
LoL Very funny
This is a great topic Sunshine. I have pondered this subject now and again in my life. I have thus far concluded that the variables to cussing are even more than the number of people doing the cussing. I don't know if cussing helps ease the pain as the study suggests, but I know when I am working and do something that really hurts, the words seem to just come out! HA!
I find it also true that any word can be used negatively given the spirit in which it is delivered and be just as damaging as cussing. The attitude of the person speaking can add a tremendous level of meaning to the words they use. One can use all appropriate words and say the most vile things, and again one can cuss up a storm with the right attitude and say some very uplifting things too.
As a teen I had an elderly neighbor with a Texas drawl as long as Texas North to South, and every other word out of his mouth was some filthy cuss word. But his attitude was always positive. I loved to hear him talk because he was so expressive and painted very entertaining rich word pictures. He talked a lot like Foghorn Leghorn, the chicken on those old Warner Brothers Cartoons.
I think some words have been ingrained in us as bad words, but as all words can be given meaning in the context in which we use them, bad words can be used without a bad meaning to them, however, some people will perceive them as bad no matter how you use them.
Of course, its is irresponsible to do such things in front of children, and when you are representing yourself to others, they are best avoided as one never knows how another will perceive such language and be silently judging us as complete buffoons for our lack of conversational skill. Such words can cost us in ways we never know. The loss of an opportunity one may have received because someone judged us for our poor usage of words, and ultimately our character too.
I completely identify with your word substitution comments and actually find that such can be very humorous. Now and then someone will use a word out of its particular context but it describes an idea that we can completely connect with in such a way that it is also hilarious. I love those words! Some people are masters at it and find favor with folks everywhere from their use of such idioms. Old TV shows like Andy Griffith and the Beverly Hillbillies are rich in such usage.
The comments here are also terrific. I don't know that I agree the more cussing the better, but perhaps the more cussing the less pain... in that way it may be true. Regardless, I am guilty as charged when I hurt!
This is a great hub, I vote up.
- Best wishes
- Harlan
Thank you Harlan for sharing your points of view...always appreciated!
This very topic was recently put to the test by the cable TV show called Myth Busters. There the myths they put to test are either dubbed Busted, Plausible, or Confirmed.
For this particular Myth, after some scientific development and some brave volunteers were enlisted, the Myth was dubbed confirmed! This led me to pledge that I would allow myself to curse and swear like the dickens should the need ever arise!
LOL Joni go for it even though I hope you never need to!!!!!
Hey Sunshine,
Great hub on my favorite subject. I am educated and not ugly but have the mouth of a Longshore man. Mt father was one and standing on the docks next to him I thought the F word was a new word to learn. I learned it and a few other words many have never heard. The F word has been my companion all my life and i can say when I use it I have peoples immediately. My daughters use it too and I am glad to say my grandchildren are not far behind all though I try to be careful around them. By the way if I cut myself it would be followed by ^%$@ *&^%$ !@#& @#$& and the F word.
Wayne aka Judowolf
Not only was this an interesting article But also very true. Reasearchers have found that the so-called gentle words just do not let that much expression or pent up pain/anger out as the swear words do.
They also found that once all the swear words have been used that the pain is a little easier to bear, and my thinking is that the pain from the trauma has been released thru the swear words thereby aliveating that much more pain and making the person experiencing that much less pain.
Judo and Senior .... your points of view are much appreciated. I'm not a fan of the F word unless need be and unfortunately my need be is to often for my liking. haha!
A very funny, but truthful Hub. I firmly believe in swearing in certain situations, especially when in pain...it really does help! Great topic Sunshine!
funny lmao... i need one for the office xD
Actually cursing turns out even more fruitful in case of emotional hurts rather than physical injuries.
If someone doesn't keep their word or if a girl dumps a guy then curses seem to be most working in recovery!!!
All in all a very entertaining and cool hub...
Great point and ouch sameer!! Thank you for sharing!!
Funny hub, but also true. Euphemisms just don't do the trick when you stub your toe!
JAYE
Oh shit! Woman! You are on the front page!
Thanks for the info, Sunshine. I'm not opposed to a well-placed cussword for emphasis, so I'm glad to know that my bad habit might actually be good for me. ;-)
Well, almost everyone here seems to endorse cursing as a way to relieve pain. I did read the article you are talking about. As you pointed out, people are different depending on how they have grown up and how they perceive pain. I did not grow up cursing, even if I was crazy mad, a curse would never escape my mouth. I have my own way of expressing anger and the vilest I can get is 'stupid'. However, with whatever we have in us, we cry out in a time of pain and having suffered pain a few times, the most recent being child birth, I remember that during the most intense pain, I found comfort in total silence. It hurts a lot and the most I could ever to relieve pain is cry out to God or call out to my mom! We have a way of relieving pain in our culture and it is crying out mother!, it helps a lot. So I really beg to differ with the researchers, their work must have been restricted to a certain group of individuals whose habit it may be to curse when in pain. I would advise them to try other people whose habit is exactly the opposite to say uplifting or words of comfort or calling out to a person they love or who they know cares about them. In distress, during life changing circumstances, I have found myself calling out to Jesus Christ, not as a curse word, but as a Savior who cares and it has worked wonders. Otherwise, your article was brilliantly presented. Thanks.
Well, almost everyone here seems to endorse cursing as a way to relieve pain. I did read the article you are talking about. As you pointed out, people are different depending on how they have grown up and how they perceive pain. I did not grow up cursing, even if I was crazy mad, a curse would never escape my mouth. I have my own way of expressing anger and the vilest I can get is 'stupid'. However, with whatever we have in us, we cry out in a time of pain and having suffered pain a few times, the most recent being child birth, I remember that during the most intense pain, I found comfort in total silence. It hurts a lot and the most I could ever to relieve pain is cry out to God or call out to my mom! We have a way of relieving pain in our culture and it is crying out mother!, it helps a lot. So I really beg to differ with the researchers, their work must have been restricted to a certain group of individuals whose habit it may be to curse when in pain. I would advise them to try other people whose habit is exactly the opposite to say uplifting or words of comfort or calling out to a person they love or who they know cares about them. In distress, during life changing circumstances, I have found myself calling out to Jesus Christ, not as a curse word, but as a Savior who cares and it has worked wonders. Otherwise, your article was brilliantly presented. Thanks.
Thank you Michelle and Donna for your opinions...they are very much appreciated. We are all unique individuals with our own points of view which makes this world a very interesting place to live in. :)
LOL - i only speak English, but when mad or hurt I develop an amazing bi-lingual blast of vocabulary that makes me feel much better afterwards. venting is so much fun.
Thanks for the chuckle
Voted up, funny, and awesome. So true, so true! I rarely curse, so that rare cursing outburst sure makes me feel good. I like how witty you were in this, too, Sunshine! You always make me chuckle.
Its wonderful to hear that I made you chuckle Victoria ... Thank you for sharing :)
You hubs always make me smile. I guess that's why you're called Sunshine. : )
Sunshine, when I was a child, my mama always wanted to wash out my mouth with soap for my garbage mouth, but she could never catch me. She still can't catch me. Great hub to start out my day. Thanks!
Very cool hub!
Holy_________. I had no ________ idea that cuss words offend some __________people! Are you________sure, Sunshine? What the ________ will some of the ________at the office do? 50% of their entire vocabulary consists of ________ and ________ and believe it ot not, even______! Well, I'll be _______. Better clean up their___________act. Right________now!! Voted up __________and pretty ___________ funny!!
@Paula you are TOO funny my friend!!! Thank you :))
This is such a true hub! Thank you for sharing with us!
wishingUwell
Mia
I don't make it a practice to use cuss words, mama switche our legs if we were caught swearing. I couldn't help but laugh when my two year old grandson said "Dammit" one day a few weeks back while trying to get his toy trailer hooked to the small tractor he was playing with at the time. I scolded him and told him we don't use that kind of language in our house. His reply,"I like to say "Dammit"
Great hub! It's cool to know that we can benefit from cursing. I just say swear words when I'm angry or upset. Thanks for sharing.
Hi momma, Cousin and pinkish ... sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do :)
This is a hub that everyone can identify with. Swear words are, as a friend of mine once put it, "God's gift to us". Its amazing that words can be so powerful!
When something isn't working right or I hurt myself those bad words just pop out of my mouth, then it's all over.
I'm going to be another follower of yours. You can thank Makush
Hi Stephanie...I'm glad you can relate!
Hi Writer...looking forward to your follow!
Haha...haha ha! Now you know why I'm so pain tolerant.....! You know - I only use curse words for shock value:). But I'm careful about using them in mixed company:) lol but I think that matters;) really &;$(($' funny hub girl!
Thank you kindly Real :))
Sometimes we just gotta say what we gotta say!
Sunshine...
I have full reverence for the recuperative properties of obscenities in injury situations. Swear words are to a stubbed toe (is as) aspirin in a heart attack scenario. Please note...I am not an doctor in the (strictest sense of the word)...but that is my belief.
I am pushing all the many Up button that Hubpages has to offer. Thanks for the giggles.
Thomas
I agree! My favorite word in the world to say out loud when I'm frustrated is "shite". (I'm not British, I just like how saying the word makes me feel powerful.)
Thomas ... Thank YOU for the giggles on a daily basis!!! :)
Hi mjfarns! Whatever works for you should work for those around you! :)
I am always being told off by friends for my 'effing and blinding' as we say in the UK but I can't seem to help myself. I am always mindful to not swear in front of people who I know dislike it but I do like a good curse and i agree with you - it can make me feel better, F@*k Yeah.
Jools...I truly enjoyed your comment! LOL! Thank you:)
Im guilty!!! This was packed with great info, tyvm P
Ha ha, we are just never gonna say, "goodness gracious I think I might need stitches". I totally agree with your view, that's why its a shame if people just use swear words in every day speech, which has become so common in England. I get frustrated when I'm trying to watch TV. People don't swear from losing control or hurting themselves anymore. It makes them sound crass and it has no meaning at all.
WELL MS SUNSHINE, THANKS FOR GIVING ME PERMISSION TO WHAT I CALL 'THE POTTY MOUTH' WHEN I SAY A CURSE WIRD, I USUALLY TRY NOT TO CURSE, BUT WHEN I DO GET HURT OR AM IN MUCH PAIN, I DO FIND 'THE POTTY MOUTH' COME OUT.. ALWAYS WONDERED WHY IT MADE ME FEEL BETTER.. WELL I NOW KNOW AND I WILL SHARE THE REASON BEHIND USING 'THE POTTY MOUTH' AFTER I BANG MY HEAD OR HIT MY FINGER OR WHATEVER I DO THAT HURTS.. SO AGAIN THANKD FOR THE INFO AND ANOTHER GREAT HUB.....
fpherj48- LOL! Thank you for this hub. Now I feel like I have a new creative licsense. I have worked to erase swear words from my lexis but one will slip every now and then.. mostly when I drop something on my toe. There is nothing on this planet more cuss worthy. Well done my friend!
I wonder if just yelling any words just like you would curse words would help? Just a thought. Great hub!
Haha I really enjoyed this hub it makes a lot of sense. I have to admit when I stub my toe I usually let a few choice words fly (unless I'm not in an appropriate place to do so). Maybe just yelling in general distracts you from the pain. I will definitely be voting this up, great info.
What a funny bunch of comments!! Thank you all for sharing how the benefits of swear words help you when you are in need of a bit of release!! Much appreciated!!
As you pointed out, a little well-timed and judicious cursing does us all a little good. I just have to remember not to come out with unsavory words in front of my grandchildren. One of them still reminds me of a few choice words she learned from me on the day I melted a plastic spatuala in the oven...
Voted up and funny!
OK, I'm havin MEATLOAF for dinner...
Linda, Dear,
'You took the words right outta my mouth...'
I guess that would be my potty mouth, oops! Too funny, yet, too true! Voted UP & FAB! Hugs, mar.
I think one of the problems with people who curse often is that the expletive loses its value. I do it rarely, so the curse is worth something. Love the disclaimer. Voting this Up and Interesting.
Hi Stephanie, I must also be careful in front of the grandchildren. I totally understand!
Hi Maria! Thank you for stopping by and singing me a little tune, always appreciated!
Hi alcosin! I like your theory! Ha! You are a wise man!
You are funny, and so is that last graphic! I actually don't swear (I know!) but I totally understand I am in the minority LOL. Funny hub Sunshine :)
No wonder my mom is still alive.
Hi Christy! Good for you for not having a potty mouth, but releasing a swear word is ok sometimes if you must!!:)
That's funny ananceleste!:))
Oh, I have gotten into trouble with my mouth...lol!! However, I do regret swearing from time to time too.
You are right! Swearing does help when hurt and does relieve the pain, etc.
Very good hub Linda!!! Voted up!!!!
I don't know how I missed this one! Should probably call it "Cursing for a Cause". Random cursing is pointless, pain causing cursing makes sense. Though, I must admit I was waiting to see one of your lists and trying to figure out how you were going to get away with it! Have to admit this was just as good. Voted up, funny and useful.
Hi Audra! Yes, it does...just be careful on who is standing around. Uh oh!!!
Hi Mary!! This was back in the day before my list fetish:) I'm glad you found it useful!
Thank you both for your thoughts!
Cursing does help with pain.
I remember stubbing my toe and cursing. My mom said that I didn't need to swear. Well, the next time I stubbed my toe, I didn't swear and it took longer for the pain to go away.
Voted up and awesome
Take care :)
Excellent point Sueswan!!! :)
carissa 12 months ago
Very True!!