Swearing turns out to be a zero-calorie, drug-free, low-cost physical performance enhancement tool

When lifting heavy objects or opening hard lids, we tend to utter insults like 'You bastard!'. A research team at Keele University in the UK reported the results of a study that 'uttering insults improves physical performance,' and the paper was published in American Psychologist .

“Don't Hold Back”: Swearing Improves Strength Through State Disinhibition
https://psycnet.apa.org/fulltext/2027-01514-001.html

Why swearing makes you stronger
https://www.apa.org/news/press/releases/2025/12/swearing-makes-you-stronger

Swearing frees the mind to “go for it”, Keele study finds - Keele University
https://www.keele.ac.uk/about/news/2025/december/physical-performance/research-swearing-strength.php

Previous studies have shown that when tennis players growl, their racket power increases by 19-26% , and when they shout while gripping a dynamometer, their grip strength increases by 7% . This study examined the effect of swearing on physical performance.

The research team measured the time a total of 192 subjects could maintain a 'sitting position with their arms outstretched and their entire body in the air' while repeatedly muttering either an abusive or neutral word. The subjects were asked to utter 'words used to describe hitting your head' as the abusive word and 'words used to describe a desk' as the neutral word.

The results of the experiment confirmed that for both men and women, uttering abusive language allowed them to maintain the posture for longer. Furthermore, a questionnaire survey of the participants' psychological state during the experiment revealed that uttering abusive language had a disinhibitory psychological effect, such as a sense of 'distraction' and 'self-confidence.' Based on the results of the experiment, the research team concluded that 'uttering abusive language promotes a psychological state that overcomes internal constraints, allowing people to maximize their physical abilities.'

'People consciously or unconsciously refrain from performing at their best in many situations,' said lead author Richard Stevens. 'Uttering swear words can boost focus, confidence, and reduce distraction. 'Swearing is a calorie-free, drug-free, low-cost, and immediate performance-enhancing tool.'