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

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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 allowed to swear lasted significantly longer than those who were only permitted to say neutral words. Swearing increased their pain tolerance by up to 50%.

The researchers concluded that swearing triggers the body’s fight-or-flight response — increasing heart rate and releasing adrenaline — which can act as a natural painkiller. It’s like our bodies know that an emphatic “bloody hell!” is part of our survival strategy.

“Swearing has a strong emotional impact,” says Dr. Stephens. “It taps into deep brain structures linked to emotion, such as the amygdala — it's not just about language; it's about raw feeling.”

Emotional Venting and Stress Release

Swearing isn’t just a physical release — it’s an emotional one too. A well-placed curse word can act like a pressure valve, releasing frustration, anger, or even sadness. It’s why you’ll often hear people curse under their breath in moments of shock or despair. It’s a form of verbal defibrillation.

In Bill Bailey’s Remarkable Guide to Happiness, he writes about swearing as “a joyous, rebellious force” — something that connects us to our primal selves. He doesn’t advocate for profanity in every conversation, but he’s right in noting that swearing, when not used to harm or offend, can be deeply cathartic.

Swearing allows us to express intense emotion quickly and powerfully. Researchers at the University of East Anglia found that moderate workplace swearing (among consenting adults) could even boost morale and help employees manage stress.

Swearing and Social Connection

Swearing — especially among friends — can also serve as a form of bonding. It creates a sense of trust and honesty. In a study published in Social Psychological and Personality Science, researchers found that people who swear more tend to be more honest and trustworthy. Not because of the words themselves, but because swearing reflects a lack of filter, a willingness to be real.

In Tai Chi and Qigong teaching, I often talk about the importance of expression — not just through form and movement, but through voice and emotion. Swearing, oddly enough, fits into this. It’s a signal to others that something matters. It can break tension, restore equilibrium, and even elicit laughter.

Swearing in Context: When, Where, and Why

Of course, context matters. Swearing at someone in anger can be damaging. But swearing with someone in solidarity, in humour, or in pain? That’s entirely different. It’s not about rudeness — it’s about release.

As I read Bill Bailey’s reflections, I was reminded that happiness isn’t always found in the polished or polite. Sometimes, it’s found in a good belly laugh, a shared moment of absurdity, or even in a spontaneous string of gloriously irreverent expletives.

A Final Word (or Two)

So here’s my gentle and slightly rebellious suggestion: the next time you stub your toe, get stuck in traffic, or need to let something go, don’t feel bad if a few colourful words fly out. You might just be doing your nervous system — and your mental health — a favour.

Swearing doesn’t have to be offensive or crude. It can be honest. Poetic. Healing. Even happy.

Just ask Bill.

References:

  • Stephens, R. et al. (2009). Swearing as a Response to Pain. NeuroReport, Keele University.

  • Feldman, G. et al. (2017). Frankly, we do give a damn: The relationship between profanity and honesty. Social Psychological and Personality Science.

  • Baruch, Y. & Jenkins, S. (2007). Swearing at Work: The Mixed Effects of Profanity. Leadership & Organization Development Journal.

  • Bailey, B. (2020). Bill Bailey’s Remarkable Guide to Happiness. Quercus Publishing.

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