Does saying “ouch” really make it hurt less?
Swearing as a response to pain
People could keep their hands in icy water for longer when they were allowed to say a naughty word.
Ig Nobel 2010
Volunteers put a hand in ice-cold water and repeated either a naughty word of their choice or a neutral one. With the naughty word, they lasted longer and reported less pain.
It seems to trigger a mini fight-or-flight response that dulls pain. It works best if you save it for special occasions.
Stubbed your toe? A heartfelt “oof” is officially medicinal.