LETTING rip with a choice expletive or two when you're struggling may do more than just blow off a little steam.
Recent research suggests it could actually make you stronger.
The team from Keele University in the UK found that people who swear during physical challenges can push themselves harder and endure longer.
Swearing appears to work by lowering inhibitions, increasing confidence, and helping people slip into a focused "flow" state while also bringing a sense of relief.
To find out more about how swearing works, researchers had 192 participants complete a chair pushup task while repeating either a swear word of their choosing or a neutral word every two seconds.
After finishing the task, they answered questions about how they felt during the exercise.
The potty mouths were able to hold their body weight for significantly longer than those who repeated a neutral word, and reported higher levels of psychological flow, distraction, and self-confidence, which the researchers said are key elements of a disinhibited state.
"In many situations, people hold themselves back - consciously or unconsciously - from using their full strength," said study author Dr Richard Stephens.
"Swearing is an easily available way to help yourself feel focused, confident and less distracted, and 'go for it' a little more," he suggested.
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