Topic of interest:
My topic of interest for this assignment is how and why profanity in language originated,
the use of profanity in language, and the physiological affect that using profanity has on the body.
Profanity refers to offensive, vulgar, or socially unacceptable language or expressions that are
considered impolite, disrespectful, or inappropriate in most social and formal settings. Profanity
often includes swear words, curse words, slurs, and other offensive terms that can be used to insult,
offend, or express strong negative emotions.
The specific words or phrases considered profane can vary by culture, region, and context,
but they typically revolve around topics like sex, bodily functions, religion, race, and other
sensitive topics. The use of profanity is generally discouraged in polite and professional
communication, and it can be considered offensive or disrespectful when used inappropriately.
However, using profanity may be more acceptable in informal or casual settings among friends or
peers, depending on the group's norms and the context of the conversation.
Studying profanity is interesting because it offers a unique window into the complexities
of human language, culture, and social dynamics. It reveals how societies construct and maintain
taboos, reflects historical and cultural shifts, and highlights the power of words to provoke emotion
and shape social interactions. By delving into the study of profanity, linguists, sociologists, and
psychologists can gain deeper insights into the intricate web of human communication, shedding
light on topics such as identity, social norms, and the evolution of language itself.
Another reason why studying profanity and its physiological effects is intriguing because
it bridges the gap between language and the human body's emotional and physiological responses.
Profane language can trigger strong emotional reactions, leading to increased heart rate, adrenaline
release, and even changes in brain activity. Understanding the physiological impact of profanity
provides valuable insights into the mind-body connection, shedding light on how words can elicit
powerful and measurable bodily responses, which can have implications for stress management,
emotional regulation, and overall well-being. This interdisciplinary exploration highlights the
profound influence language can have on our physical and mental health.
1. Selnow, G.W. (1985). Sex differences in uses and perceptions of profanity. Sex Roles, 12, 303312.
This paper explores how the use and perception of profanity differs based on an individual’s
sex. Profanity is looked at through the lens of the strength that it perhaps imparts to language as
well as as a tool of group cohesion and nonmember alienation. This paper highlights how females
report less profanity usage than males and how females are more conservative about profanity
usage than males as well. It will be useful to showcase these findings in my poster and will allow
me to bring in the idea of how sex affects profanity usage.
2. Insider Science. (2018, December 18). What cursing does to your body and brain [Video].
YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-C037vk0Ivk
This video introduced me to Lalochezia – the emotional relief gained by using indecent or
vulgar language. As the title of the video suggests, the video talks about the many affects that
cursing has on one’s body as well as the advantages that it may lead to in everyday life. This source
is useful since I can include a section of the benefits of swearing or using profanity in my poster.
3. The Atlantic. (2017, September 6). Does swearing make you likeable? [Video]. YouTube.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ffbOy4BaxI0
This video brings in the concept of how swearing affects one’s social status. While use
profanity is usually nonacceptable in many situations (formal gatherings, family meals, work
environment, school settings) sometimes cursing can be beneficial and helps an individual come
across as more approachable, trustworthy, and socially acceptable. This source is beneficial to me
since I can use it to add on to the ‘benefits of profanity’ portion of my poster.
4. Patrick, G.T.W. (1901). The psychology of profanity. Psychological Review, 8(2), 113-127.
This source discusses the use of profanity and talks about the origin of cursing. It highlights
how profanity is used to express strong emotions, especially anger and how profanity chooses the
forms of phonation which are best adapted to shock the opponent. This source brings in the idea
of how profanity is considered immoral because of its emphasis on inhibition and repression, and
the religious connection between the sacred and the profane. This source will help me explore the
origin of profanity.
5. Feldman, G., Lian, H., Kosinski, M., & Stillwell, D. (2017). Frankly, we do give a damn: The
relationship between profanity and honesty. Social psychological and personality science, 8(7),
816-826.
This source specifically looks at the relationship between profanity and honesty and though
it concludes that honesty and profanity are consistently positively related, it brings up valid points
as to why and how dishonesty is sometimes related to the usage of profanity. Thus, this source can
provide counterarguments for how profanity is actually a good thing. I can use these findings in
my poster to bring in a different perspective.