(Bleeeep)!!!
This is Sandra Tsing Loh with the Loh Down on Science.
Can cursing give you SCIENTIFICALLY stronger muscles?
Richard Stephens and team at Keele University put this to the test.
Volunteers held themselves up in a chair push-up for as long as possible. As they supported themselves, they repeated either a neutral word… or a curse word!
And? The swearers won! Those who cussed held on about three seconds longer!
They also reported a feeling of humor and liberation. Researchers think swearing flips a mental switch, unlocking a little extra power! This trick could help folks who need a burst of physical strength in a pinch.
And it’s about (bleep)ing time!
Reference: Stephens, R., Dowber, H., Richardson, C., & Washmuth, N. B. (2025). “Don’t hold back”: Swearing improves strength through state disinhibition.American Psychologist. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0001650