Does swearing make you stronger? Science says yes.

"The result: Only the F-word had any effect on pain outcomes. The team also measured the subjects' pain threshold, asking them to indicate when the ice water began to feel painful. Those who chanted the F-word waited longer before indicating they felt pain-in other words, the swearing increased their threshold for pain. Chanting "fouch" or "twizpipe" had no effect on either measure."

""In many situations, people hold themselves back-consciously or unconsciously-from using their full strength," said Stephens. "By swearing, we throw off social constraint and allow ourselves to push harder in different situations. Swearing is an easily available way to help yourself feel focused, confident and less distracted, and 'go for it' a little more.""

Only a real F-word produced measurable effects on pain outcomes; invented words produced no measurable change. Pain threshold was assessed by asking participants when ice water began to feel painful, and participants who chanted the F-word delayed that indication, showing increased pain tolerance. In a chair push-up task, participants who repeated a chosen swear word every two seconds supported their body weight longer than those who repeated a neutral word. Participants completed questionnaires about mental state after the task. Swearing functions as a form of disinhibition that reduces social constraint and can increase focus and confidence.

Read at Ars Technica