Swearing and Truthfulness: Men’s Work Insights from The Sacred Kings
Think swearing is just rude or disrespectful? Think again. A recent study suggests that people who curse frequently are often more honest—both online and in real life. At The Sacred Kings, we explore insights like these through Men’s Work, helping men discover authenticity in their words, actions, and relationships.
What the Study Found
In a joint effort by universities including Cambridge and Stanford, researchers found that people who curse are more likely to be truthful. Why? Because honesty is often tied to emotional expression—and emotional people are more likely to swear.
How the Research Was Conducted
- Questionnaires: Scientists asked 276 participants about their swearing habits, favorite curse words, and how they use swearing in different settings. These responses were compared with answers to ethical scenario questions.
- Facebook Analysis: Researchers used an algorithm to analyze posts from 73,789 Facebook users, comparing their swearing habits with their honesty in private life.
The results were clear: people who swore more often were more consistent with honest behavior than those who didn’t. The study even suggested that dishonest people tend to use less emotional and cognitively demanding language, as lying takes mental effort to maintain.
What This Means for You
If you’ve ever held back from expressing yourself, worried about being “too much” or “inappropriate,” this study invites a different perspective. Expressing emotions—including frustration or passion through swearing—could be part of showing up authentically.
At The Sacred Kings, we teach men to embrace their full range of emotions and communicate truthfully. Authenticity and honesty are cornerstones of strong connections and fulfilling relationships.
Take Action
Does this change how you feel about swearing? What’s one way you can practice more authenticity in your communication? Share your thoughts in the comments or reach out to learn how The Sacred Kings can support your journey through Men’s Work.