Do You Swear When You Stub Your Toe? You’re Not Alone!

Let’s be real—when you stub your toe, it’s almost impossible not to let out a choice word or two. And according to a new poll, 74% of Americans agree!
The survey found that when people experience abrupt physical pain, like slamming their toe into a table leg:
- 32% said they sometimes swear
- 24% admitted they usually do
- 18% confessed they always let the expletives fly
Even among those who swear less, 14% admitted to doing it rarely, while just 8% claimed they never curse—which, honestly, seems suspicious.
Swearing Might Help With Pain
Science backs up the habit! Studies suggest that swearing can increase pain tolerance, essentially acting as a built-in coping mechanism. However, only one-third of people believe this is true.
RELATED: The Science Behind Swearing: More Than Just Foul Language
Is Public Swearing Ever Okay?
Surprisingly, one in six people believe that swearing in public is never acceptable—even if you just got hit by a car and shattered your pelvis (ouch). So, next time you stub your toe in public, maybe scream internally, or at least keep it PG.
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