The surprising science of swearing

1: Swear words are an ancient important aspect of language, they're always changing and may lose their impact over time.

2: Swearing can connect and bond people, if not done in anger - it can show you trust someone.

3: Swearing helps people manage pain. In studies, when asked to put hands in ice cold water, participants told to say swear words could withstand the cold for longer than those who didn't. Swearing can also improve physical strength!

4: Swearing is universal - every language has taboo words but what counts as rude is different in each culture (and can’t always be translated!).

5: People usually swear in their first language, even if they mainly speak another language.

6: Young people swear twice as much as older adults

7: Sheffield tops the UK for most daily swears: 23 per person!

8: Swearing is actually more common among the upper classes!

Catherine's next talk will be a Q&A with psychotherapist Andrea Oskis who believes that at the heart of what we eat is a memory, a story or life lesson. The Q&A takes place on Monday 9 June 2025 (6.45-8pm) at the Ann Owens Centre, Oak Lane, East Finchley N2 8LT. To register, just call Teresa on 07502 989403 or email teresa.gallagher@ageukbarnet.org.uk