Health
A Swearing Expert Discusses the State of Profanity
Cursing is coursing through society. Words once too blue to publicly utter have become increasingly commonplace. “Language is just part of the whole shift to a more casual lifestyle,” said Timothy Jay, a professor emeritus of psychology at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in North Adams, Mass.
Dr. Jay has spent a career studying the use of profanity, from what motivates it to the ways in which it satisfies, signals meaning and offends. Although officially retired, he has continued to edit studies on profanity and he recently offered an expert opinion in an ongoing legal dispute in Michigan over whether the phrase “Let’s go Brandon” (a euphemism used to denigrate former President Joseph R. Biden Jr.) should be reasonably interpreted as “profane.” (It should not, Dr. Jay opined.)
Dr. Jay posits that the increasingly casual nature of the spoken word derives in part from the way people communicate on social media. One study, published in 2014 by other researchers in the field, found that curse words on Twitter, now known as X, appeared in 7.7 percent of posts, with profanity representing about 1 in every 10 words on the platform. That compared to a swearing rate of 0.5 to 0.7 percent in spoken language, the study found.
If that data troubles you, Dr. Jay has some thoughts on how to dial back the profanity. F*@%-free February, anyone?
This interview has been condensed and edited for clarity, and scrubbed of some of the vernacular that Dr. Jay conceded he regularly uses on the golf course.
Why does social media contribute to more casual use of language?
People are remote, so they can be aggressive without any physical retaliation. By and large, you’re anonymous, so there’s no personal consequence. It’s also part of a larger shift to a more casual lifestyle. What kids are wearing to school these days would have been disgraceful in my day.
Is that a problem — not the clothes, the swearing?
Our culture is constantly evolving and will continue to evolve. One place it is a problem is the way that women are increasingly attacked online and harassed.
So you don’t really see this development as positive or negative?
Slang is made to confront authority and to create a code that identifies one as an in-group member. Misuse of slang means you are an outsider. Slang must change with time.
The casualness of language coexists with the casualness of clothing styles, workplace behaviors, music lyrics, television content, table manners, et cetera, which have trended in general to a more relaxed state post-World War II, especially notable in the 1960s.
You’re saying that curse words that people once avoided they now say regularly.
For years, I asked people to rank swear words on a scale of one to 10 of which words were the worst. A five would be “damn” or “hell.” That was the middle range. A hundred years ago you couldn’t have used them on the radio; now they’re in the comic strips in the newspaper.
What ranks as a 1?
“Sugar.”
What about other alternatives to longstanding curse words? Can I run a few by you?
Go ahead.
“Fudge” — satisfying?
Not to me.
I hear a lot of people say “flipping” or “freaking.” Which one do you prefer?
I like “frickin’” — I’ve used, “Shut the frickin’ door!”
What do you like about that?
It’s similarity to … [expletive].
So if something is phonetically similar, that makes it satisfying?
It’s how it feels in your entire body — an autonomic nervous-system reaction to hearing someone say [expletive] or saying [expletive] yourself. It raises your pulse, heart rate, breathing rate all above the use of a nonoffensive word such as “calendar.” We recorded skin-conductance tests that demonstrated that taboo words produce a more emotional reaction than nontaboo words. The word arouses us in knowing that we are going to say it and continues to arouse us even after speaking.
Do these words provoke physical aggression?
My research group has recorded over 10,000 people swearing in public. Not once have we seen these usages turn into aggression or violence. Most swearing is casual, conversational and pretty harmless. At the same time, we are more sensitive to language issues surrounding sexual harassment, racial-ethnic-gender discrimination, verbal abuse and threatening language than in the past.
What draws us to a particular word?
It’s personal. One’s psychological history with hearing and saying a word mainly in childhood, and then the consequence of using the word again, brings about the feelings previously associated with the word.
It’s social, meaning the words that are important emotionally not only depend on the speaker’s psychological relationship with the word but also the value and valence of the word within a speaker’s community.
And it’s physical.
Does that suggest that euphemisms may not satisfy, and that therefore we can’t curb our cursing?
The key to breaking a habit is being aware that you do it and then trying to circumvent that.
So you can change the pattern should you wish to?
Yes. If you think about how memory works, what you’ve done is you’ve activated the new word in your brain. And so by activating “freakin’” or “sugar,” you’re making that more salient.
In other words, with practice, you can diminish the potency of the curse word and strengthen the lure of the euphemism.
Yes, but you have to be aware of both pieces and that one of them has natural salience.
Recently, I was watching my grandson, a mogul skier, when he went off course. And I just said, “dang.” He’s 18 years old, and I try not to swear around him. But I have to think about it, especially when I play golf.
From where you sit in retirement, do you feel that swearing research is in good hands?
I gave a keynote speech to a group of international scholars meeting on swearing and cursing in Cologne, Germany, in 2015, two years before I retired. I was 65 years old at the time and most of the speakers were in their 30s and 40s. I realized that there was a new generation continuing to study taboo words in a manner that I pioneered in the 1970s. It was about time to step aside and let them have the glory.
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Increasing physical activity in midlife or later may reduce the chances of developing dementia by up to 45%, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open.
Researchers at the Boston University School of Public Health analyzed data from more than 4,300 people in the Framingham Heart Study Offspring, all of whom were dementia-free at the start of the study.
The individuals completed a questionnaire reporting their amount of sleep and level of physical activity (sedentary, slight, moderate or heavy), according to the study report.
DEMENTIA RISK COULD BE LINKED TO WALKING SPEED, STUDY SUGGESTS
Study design and key findings
The researchers analyzed the individuals’ physical activity throughout three life stages — early adult (ages 26-44 years), midlife (45-64 years) and late life (65-88 years).
Increasing physical activity in midlife or later may reduce the chances of developing dementia by up to 45%, according to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open. (iStock)
They followed the participants for an average span of 37.2, 25.9 and 14.5 years, respectively, to monitor the onset of Alzheimer’s and other types of dementia.
Those in the top two quintiles of midlife physical activity were associated with a 40% lower all-cause dementia risk over a 26-year period, compared to those with the lowest activity level.
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People in the top two quintiles of late-life physical activity were associated with a 36% to 45% lower dementia risk over 15 years.
Thise with the highest midlife physical activity were associated with a 40% lower all-cause dementia risk over a 26-year period, compared to those with the lowest activity level. (iStock)
“These results may help to inform more precise and effective strategies to prevent or delay the onset of dementia in later life, and support evidence that the benefits of physical activity on the brain may extend to earlier in life than previously thought,” study author Phillip Hwang, Ph.D., from the Department of Epidemiology at the Boston University School of Public Health, told Fox News Digital.
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Higher activity in midlife was associated with lower dementia risk only in people without APOE4, a genetic variant linked to higher Alzheimer’s risk.
However, this was not the case with the late-life higher activity group, which showed reduced dementia risk among both APOE4 carriers and those without the gene, according to the study.
The exercise-brain link
“There are several possible mechanisms through which physical activity is thought to lower the risk of dementia, such as improving brain structure and function, reducing inflammation and exerting benefits on vascular function,” Hwang told Fox News Digital.
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Physical activity may also directly impact Alzheimer’s disease pathology, such as the buildup of toxic beta-amyloid in the brain, according to the researcher.
Physical activity may also directly impact Alzheimer’s disease pathology, such as the buildup of toxic beta-amyloid in the brain. (iStock)
“These potential mechanisms may contribute to facilitating cognitive reserve, which can delay late-life cognitive impairment.”
More research is needed to understand whether these possible causes all happen at the same time throughout a person’s life, or if different causes emerge at different stages, the researchers said.
Expert reactions
Dr. Cathryn Devons, M.D., who specializes in geriatric medicine at Phelps Hospital Northwell Health in Sleepy Hollow, New York, was not part of the study but commented on the findings.
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Exercise can lower the risk of hypertension, stroke, vascular disease, cholesterol levels and diabetes — “all the things that put you at risk for circulatory problems to the brain,” she told Fox News Digital.
The doctor also noted that exercise is known to help to reduce inflammation, which can protect brain health.
Study limitations
One limitation of the study is that physical activity was based on self-reporting, Hwang told Fox News Digital.
Physical activity may also directly impact Alzheimer’s disease pathology, such as the buildup of toxic beta-amyloid in the brain. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File)
“While we can say from these results that higher levels of overall physical activity are associated with reduced dementia risk, these results cannot translate well to recommendations about specific exercise types,” he said.
Also, the level of physical activity in early adulthood was not linked with all-cause dementia or Alzheimer’s dementia.
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“We may have been underpowered to detect associations with early adult life physical activity due to the small number of dementia cases in this age group,” the authors noted.
Devons agreed that while the study may have limitations, it supports the idea of exercise lowering the risk of dementia.
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The holidays are a time for family, food and festive cheer — but for many people, they also bring an unwelcome guest: heartburn.
It’s no coincidence that cases of reflux spike this time of year, according to Dr. Mark Shachner, medical director of the Broward Health Coral Springs Heartburn Center in South Florida.
“Heartburn tends to flare up during the holidays because we often eat larger portions, enjoy richer foods, and indulge in more sweets and alcohol than usual,” he told Fox News Digital.
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Combine those rich holiday foods and drinks with overeating, late-night meals, and lying down too soon after eating, and you’ve got what the doctor calls “a recipe for reflux.”
“Heartburn tends to flare up during the holidays because we often eat larger portions, enjoy richer foods, and indulge in more sweets and alcohol than usual.” (iStock)
Below, the doctor shares five common mistakes people make that can trigger heartburn — during the holidays and year-round.
1. Eating too much and too fast
Shachner recommends eating smaller portions, chewing slower and resisting the urge to go back for seconds until you’ve had time to digest.
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Staying upright for at least two to three hours after eating helps the stomach empty more efficiently — and keeps acid where it belongs.
“Moderation and timing make the biggest difference,” Shachner added.
2. Indulging in late-night snacks
It’s tempting to grab one last cookie or slice of pie before bed, but Shachner recommends allowing two to three hours between your last bite and bedtime.
Going to bed too soon after eating is one of the biggest culprits for reflux, since lying flat makes it easier for stomach acid to creep upward, he said.
Portion control is key to not only maintaining a healthy weight, but also preventing heartburn. (iStock)
3. Not moving after meals
Walking or other low-effort activities after a big meal can make all the difference, according to Shachner.
“A gentle walk after meals helps digestion and reduces reflux,” he said.
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Even light activity helps the stomach process food and reduces the pressure that leads to heartburn. No matter how appealing it may seem, Shachner recommends avoiding the post-feast nap.
4. Not knowing your triggers
Some foods and drinks are more likely to cause trouble. Common triggers include fatty or fried dishes, tomato sauces, citrus, chocolate, peppermint, alcohol, coffee and carbonated drinks, according to the doctor.
“Everyone’s triggers are a little different, so paying attention to which foods cause discomfort is important,” he added.
Staying upright for at least two to three hours after eating helps the stomach empty more efficiently and prevents acid reflux. (iStock)
5. Ignoring symptoms
An occasional bout of heartburn isn’t usually cause for concern, but if you’re having symptoms two or more times a week, or if over-the-counter remedies stop working, the doctor said it’s important to pay attention.
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“That’s when it’s time to see a doctor for a full evaluation,” he said.
Chronic reflux can signal gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), which can cause long-term damage if left untreated.
Frequent heartburn can signal something more serious, but it’s often treatable. (iStock)
The doctor also cautioned about relying too heavily on antacids or acid reducers. “It’s best to use them under the guidance of a healthcare professional who can identify and treat the root cause rather than just the symptoms,” he advised.
Advanced relief options
For people with chronic reflux, there are now minimally invasive, FDA-approved treatments that provide lasting relief without traditional surgery.
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“One example is the LINX® procedure, which uses a small ring of magnetic beads to reinforce the lower esophageal sphincter,” Shachner shared.
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Another is transoral incisionless fundoplication (TIF), which restores the natural barrier between the stomach and esophagus through the mouth, with no external incisions.
Health
Judge rules West Virginia parents can use religious beliefs to opt out of school vaccine requirements
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A West Virginia judge ruled on Wednesday that parents can use religious beliefs to opt out of school vaccine requirements for their children.
Raleigh County Circuit Judge Michael Froble on Wednesday issued a permanent injunction, saying children of families who object to the state’s compulsory vaccination law on religious grounds will be permitted to attend school and participate in extracurricular sports.
Froble found that a state policy prohibiting parents from seeking religious exemptions violates the Equal Protection for Religion Act signed into law in 2023 by then-Gov. Jim Justice.
West Virginia was among just a handful of states to offer only medical exemptions from school vaccinations when Gov. Patrick Morrisey issued an executive order earlier this year allowing religious exemptions.
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West Virginia Gov. Patrick Morrisey said that the ruling “is a win for every family forced from school over their faith.” (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)
However, the state Board of Education voted in June to instruct public schools to ignore the governor’s order and follow long-standing school vaccine requirements outlined in state law.
The board said following Wednesday’s ruling that it “hereby suspends the policy on compulsory vaccination requirements” pending an appeal before the state Supreme Court.
Morrisey said in a statement that the ruling “is a win for every family forced from school over their faith.”
Two groups had sued to stop Morrisey’s order, arguing that the legislature has the authority to make these decisions instead of the governor.
Legislation that would have allowed the religious exemptions was approved by the state Senate and rejected by the House of Delegates earlier this year.
The judge found that a state policy prohibiting parents from seeking religious exemptions violates the Equal Protection for Religion Act signed into law in 2023. (Julian Stratenschulte/dpa (Photo by Julian Stratenschulte/picture alliance via Getty Images))
The judge ruled that the failure to pass the legislation did not determine the application of the 2023 law. He rejected the defendants’ argument that religious exemptions can only be established by legislative moves.
“Legislative intent is not absolute nor controlling in interpreting a statute or determining its application; at most, it is a factor,” Froble said.
A group of parents had sued the state and local boards of education and the Raleigh County schools superintendent. One parent had obtained a religious exemption to the vaccine mandate from the state health department and enrolled her child in elementary school for the current school year before receiving an email in June from the local school superintendent rescinding the certificate, according to the lawsuit.
In July, Froble issued a preliminary injunction allowing the children of the three plaintiffs’ families in Raleigh County to attend school this year.
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State law requires children to receive vaccines for chickenpox, hepatitis B, measles, meningitis, mumps, diphtheria, polio, rubella, tetanus and whooping cough before attending school. (iStock)
Last month, Froble certified the case as a class action involving 570 families who had received religious exemptions in other parts of the state. He said the class action also applies to parents who seek religious exemptions in the future.
Froble said the total number of exemptions so far involved a small portion of the statewide student population and “would not meaningfully reduce vaccination rates or increase health risks.”
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State law requires children to receive vaccines for chickenpox, hepatitis B, measles, meningitis, mumps, diphtheria, polio, rubella, tetanus and whooping cough before attending school.
At least 30 states have religious freedom laws. The laws are modeled after the federal Religious Freedom Restoration Act, which was signed into law in 1993 by then-President Bill Clinton, allowing federal regulations that interfere with religious beliefs to be challenged.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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