Stubbed Toe, Sailor Mouth: The Science of Swearing Through Pain

Think back to the last time you stubbed your toe.  Did you drop any CHOICE WORDS when it happened?

74% of Americans swear when they stub their toe or experience abrupt, physical pain, according to a new poll.  That includes 32% who said “sometimes,” 24% who said “usually,” and 18% who “always” do.

Another 14% said “rarely,” so they’ve done it too.  Only 8% said they never swear when they hurt themselves.

Studies have found swearing can help with pain tolerance.  But only a third of people polled think that’s true.

Last stat:  If you got hit by a car and dropped an F-bomb because it shattered your pelvis . . . the jerk who hit you might JUDGE you for it. 

One in six people say swearing in public is NEVER acceptable, even if you’re in pain. 

(YouGov / YouGov / YouGov)