The Surprising Healing Power of Swearing: A Joyous Rebellion of Words

The Surprising Healing Power of Swearing: A Joyous Rebellion of Words Inspired by Bill Bailey’s “Remarkable Guide to Happiness” I recently read Bill Bailey’s Remarkable Guide to Happiness and was particularly struck by the unexpected joy in his chapter on swearing. Bill, ever the witty observer of life, writes about swearing not with shame or censorship, but with celebration. He reminds us that swearing — when done right — is not just a verbal release, but a deeply human, almost poetic act. It’s cathartic. It’s visceral. And, as it turns out, it might even be good for us . This got me thinking. Could there really be healing benefits to a well-timed expletive? Swearing as a Pain Reliever It turns out, there’s robust scientific evidence to support what many of us instinctively know: swearing can actually help us cope with pain. In a now-famous study from Keele University, psychologist Richard Stephens asked participants to submerge their hands in ice-cold water. Those who were al...