Today, there is still a social stereotype about swearing. Swearing is considered rude and inappropriate, and those who practice it are also seen as rude and lacking education and manners. But, according to recent studies, this is not the case.
Actually, swearing can be a sign of wit, and people who swear are a lot smarter than it is thought. Many people believe that people who swear a lot only do that because they don’t know how to intelligently express themselves since they lack proper vocabulary.
However, according to the findings of psychologists, Timothy Jay from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and Kirstin Joy from Marist College, people who use a lot “taboo words” tend to be more fluent in neutral, ordinary words.
“People who use taboo words understand their general expressive content as well as nuanced distinctions that must be drawn to use slurs appropriately. The ability to make nuanced distinction indicates the presence of more rather than less linguistic knowledge,” wrote the researchers.
Another study found that there is a correlation between swearing and honesty. In other words, those people who use swear words are more honest and trustworthy. Moreover, they are seen as more genuine because they don’t have trouble in expressing themselves.
Furthermore, yet other studies have proven the before mentioned facts. In criminal cases, for instance, those people who are innocent are more likely to swear and curse than a guilty suspect who tries to keep his “cool” and look innocent.
So, there you have it. Next time when you hear someone swear, don’t act all judgmental. Or, if you are someone who occasionally lets some F-word slip out, don’t feel guilty and ashamed – it means you are more honest and expressive linguistically.
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A professional writer with over a decade of incessant writing skills. Her topics of interest and expertise range from health, nutrition and psychology.
