Oh #^@%$#!+

Source: Bob’s Home Repair Blog

Does swearing decrease pain? Definitely, according to a recent study from Keele University. Here are a few details most reports didn’t cover.
Study volunteers were able to hold their non-dominant hand in a bucket of ice water (41° F) for two minutes while swearing, but for only one minute and 15 seconds while refraining from the use of expletives.
Before subjecting themselves to pain, the volunteers were asked to come up with five words they might use if they hit their thumb with a hammer. One test subject had to be eliminated because none of his words were curse words. Since the study was in England, a common choice was “bullocks.”
It’s not clear why swearing helps relieve pain. The author of the study, Richard Stephens, speculates that it activates the fight-or-flight response, which produces physiological changes.
He suggests it might be a good idea to refrain from swearing in casual, non-painful situations. “Swearing is emotional language but if you overuse it, it loses its emotional attachment.”