Research
Mixed
Swearing improves physical performance in short, intense tasks by increasing pain tolerance, state disinhibition, and physiological arousal.
If you are about to perform a short, intense physical task like a heavy lift or a sprint, using a swear word (either aloud or internally) may help you push harder. The effect comes from increased pain tolerance and mental focus. However, be mindful of social contexts where swearing might be inappropriate.
ModerateSupportsMEDIUM confidence
Swearing, or using taboo language with the potential to offend, has been shown to improve physical performance during short and intense tasks requiring strength and power development.
Why this rating
Based on a mini-review of a few small studies; mechanisms are not fully understood.
Source
Effect of swearing on physical performance: a mini-review
Nicholas B. Washmuth et al. · Frontiers in Psychology · 2024
DOI 10.3389/fpsyg.2024.1445175
narrative_reviewCited 8×
Read the paper DOI resolved against Crossref · corpus check 2026-06-10
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