While I was growing up, my father had this cute little saying he liked to use to deter me from using “bad words”. It went like this: “Profanity is the linguistic tool of the inarticulate.”

Somehow, the lesson never stuck with me…maybe it was because it was a bullshit lesson. Maybe it was because my father also had one of the most filthy potty mouths I’ve ever heard, aside from my mother. Needless to say, I grew up in a beautifully godless home full of heretics and profaners.

It was very much as the old adage says, “Do as I say, not as I do.”

I have taken it, therefore, as a mission in life to play devil’s advocate and convert my fellow humans to a life of profanity.

So here are ten f*cking awesome reasons you should be cursing.

1. Pain relief

Scientifically speaking, “Bad words” trigger the “fight or flight” response, resulting in a surge of adrenaline. This means you can endure more pain for longer.

2. Express yourself!

You are not less intelligent if you curse, contrary to popular belief. Studies have shown there is no link between profanity and intellect. It’s a high form of expression with lots of creative uses. The word “f*ck” is after all one of the only words that can be used as a noun, a verb, and an adjective.

3. It's a bonding experience

Studies have shown that using profanity puts other people at ease with you and strengthens social bonds. So curse away all you party people!

4. It's a catharsis.

Anyone with severe road rage knows this... It just makes you feel so much f*cking better.

5. People who swear are more honest

Several studies by researchers top universities including the University of Cambridge and Stanford found that there is a strong positive correlation between use of profanity and honesty.

6. It makes people laugh

Yes, some comedians effectively use profanity-less humor but the truth is that profanity is a fantastic comedic tool. Trust me, I’m fucking hilarious.

7. It makes you more persuasive

Studies have also shown that swearing, in moderation, actually improves how effectively a message gets across. So, channel your inner politician and use profanity in your arguments… but maybe not in the Youtube comments sections.

8. It pumps you up

Like I said before, profanity triggers your “fight or flight” response, increasing your heart rate. You’ll notice that’s probably why you’ll see drill sergeants in movies cursing at their charges. It isn’t just to make them seem scary.

9. It makes you better at communication

Because these words are “taboo”, they can much more easily communicate strong emotions like anger and frustration.

10. Pooooower!

Yep! Studies have shown cursing actually makes you feel more confident and powerful and who doesn’t want that!

The bottom line is, cursing is healthy… But what’s even healthier, is being a good person. I don’t care if you go to church every Sunday and you’ve never said a bad word in your life, or if you have a tongue straight from the sewer. If you don’t practice kindness and respect to others, you should probably reevaluate your life.