Letting rip with choice language may be the best response to painful events, according to a new study.
Using swear words seems to increase ability to endure pain, according to a study at Keele University, Staffordshire, UK.
A study involving students found they could keep their hands submerged in ice for longer if they use swear words rather than polite language.
Researchers say that swearing may help trigger natural responses to danger – raising the heart rate and demonstrating aggression.
Researcher Dr Richard Stephens said: "Swearing has been around for centuries and is an almost universal human linguistic phenomenon. It taps into emotional brain centres and appears to arise in the right brain, whereas most language production occurs in the left cerebral hemisphere of the brain.
"Our research shows one potential reason why swearing developed and why it persists."
Some 64 undergraduates took part in the research.
NeuroReport 2009,20:1 056–1060
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