Why We Cuss with Cuss Word Researcher Dr. Richard Stephens

Why do we cuss? And what happens when we do. Psychologist and Curse Word Researcher Dr. Richard Stephens has spent decades trying to answer those two questions.

Dr. Stephens says that while there are many reason why we cuss, such as anger and trying to fit in, when we curse, our body and mind go through significant changes. Changes that can dull pain and even make us stronger.

In this episode of Profoundly Pointless we talk the unique psychology behind cussing, the power of different curse words and why our brains treat curse words differently than other words.

00:00 Introducing Dr. Richard Stephens

01:11 Why We Cuss

02:30 What Happens When We Cuss

03:57 Cussing and Pain Management

05:31 Cussing Makes Us Stronger

08:09 The Strongest Cuss Words

09:45 Why Some People Cuss More

12:19 Cussing and Honesty

16:39 The Best Cuss Word

Contact the Show

Dr. Richard Stephens

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices