5 things you didn’t know about swearing:

• Swearing can reduce pain. It works best if you’re someone who doesn’t curse frequently.

• Swear words emotionally affect the listener more than normal words and make them more likely to remember what you say.

• Teenagers’ favorite swear word? It’s “fuck” by a landslide, and moreso among females than males. “Shit” is the runner up.

• Swearing can make you more persuasive. It’s true, asshole.

• Bothered by my swearing in this post? You shouldn’t be. Offensive words don’t really harm anyone.

Join 25K+ readers. Get a free weekly update via email here.