This idea is comparatively recent, compared to the history of human language, but it’s still been around for a while. If you’re a woman? Swearing is the weapon that just might backfire. It doesn't matter if you ask men or women we’ve all been schooled to believe that male swearing is the norm, while a woman swearing is some kind of fuck-up. Male swearers on the other hand are considered more dynamic, and just as attractive as if they hadn't sworn at all. Show someone a written “transcript” of a conversation that includes some swearing and, if they’re told that the swearer is a woman, they rate her as weak and repellent. 377 people were asked to rate examples of swearing for offensiveness. This gendered divide in how swearing is perceived was observed in a 2001 study by Dr Robert O’Neill of Louisiana State University. And yet look at the mentions of almost any high-profile woman and you’ll see plenty of gendered slurs that don't seem to land their (male) writers in any kind of trouble. Or Rose McGowan, who was suspended after using the same expression of fury towards Ben Affleck. Take Victoria Fierce, sentenced to twelve hours in “Twitter jail” for telling Vice President Mike Pence to “fuck off” after the rollback of protections for trans students.

But-and it’s a big but-that only works for sure if you’re a man. For example, research shows that swearing is seen as a sign of sincerity, honesty, and commitment. It can be used to share our greatest excitements (“Fuck yeah!”) as well as our disappointments (“Oh, shit…”) Profanity commands attention, and in some contexts, even earns a degree of respect. In “Fired Up,” explores women’s rage-and what comes next. We didn’t do it for “attention” we did it for progress. After the 2016 presidential election, women nationwide wanted to make a scene.

Swearing is good for you by emma byrne