Why does it feel so good to use bad language? - CrowdScience, BBC World Service

The sudden agony of stubbing a toe or burning a finger can make even the most polite of us swear our heads off. It’s like a reflex - a quick-release valve for the shock. But why do expletives give us such a sense of relief? Why does it sometimes feel so good to swear?

Click here to subscribe to our channel 👉🏽 https://bbc.in/3VyyriM

We set out to explore the science of swearing, prompted by a question from CrowdScience listener Gadi. Psychological studies have shown bad language can relieve pain, or even make us stronger; we test out these theories for ourselves and try to figure out why certain words are charged with such physical power.

We don’t just use strong words in shock or anger, either. They can help us to bond with others, to express joy, solidarity, or creativity. And although people curse all over the world, it’s not quite the same everywhere. We hear what people like to swear about in different countries, and whether swearing in a second language can ever be quite so satisfying.

Download the CrowdScience podcast here: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p04d...

----------------
This is the official BBC World Service YouTube channel.
If you like what we do, you can also find us here:
Instagram 👉🏽   / bbcworldservice  
Twitter 👉🏽   / bbcworldservice  
Facebook 👉🏽   / bbcworldservice  
BBC World Service website 👉🏽 https://www.bbc.co.uk/worldserviceradio

Thanks for watching and subscribing!
#BBCWorldService #WorldService