Swearing, Euphemisms, and Linguistic Relativity
Author Information
Author(s): Jeffrey S. Bowers, Christopher W. Pleydell-Pearce
Primary Institution: University of Bristol
Hypothesis
The phonological form of a word can directly evoke a negative emotional response, influencing thought and behavior.
Conclusion
People find it more stressful to say aloud a swear word than its corresponding euphemism.
Supporting Evidence
- Swear words invoked the greatest electrodermal response compared to euphemisms and neutral words.
- Euphemisms allow speakers to communicate without triggering negative emotional responses.
- Participants showed no naming or categorization errors during the experiment.
- Electrodermal activity is a valid measure of emotional impact supported by brain imaging studies.
- Swearing is often preserved in patients with severe language impairments.
Takeaway
This study shows that saying bad words makes people feel more upset than using nicer words that mean the same thing.
Methodology
Participants read aloud swear words, euphemisms, and neutral stimuli while their autonomic activity was measured by electrodermal activity.
Potential Biases
Potential biases may arise from the self-reported nature of emotional responses and the specific cultural context of the words used.
Limitations
The study's findings may not generalize beyond the specific words tested or the context of the experiment.
Participant Demographics
Mean age was 21 years, with 15 female participants.
Statistical Information
P-Value
0.019
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
Want to read the original?
Access the complete publication on the publisher's website