Benjamin Bergen, a cognitive science professor, discusses the psychology and brain science behind bad words. Topics include the significance of bad words, the connection between gestures and bad words, the historical context and cultural rules of 'bad words', and the role of adults in teaching children about language.
Words are considered 'bad' due to historical and cultural contexts, shaped by societal norms and discomfort in discussing taboo topics openly.
Research suggests that bad words themselves do not cause harm to children, but the focus should be on creating a positive communication environment rather than excessive concern over specific words.
Deep dives
Why are some words considered bad?
Words are considered bad due to their historical and cultural contexts. Over time, certain words have evolved to be related to taboo topics like bathroom functions, religious ideas, or negative feelings towards certain groups. These words were shaped by the societal norms and the discomfort associated with discussing these topics openly. For example, the middle finger gesture has a long history and is used to denigrate or show dislike for people. However, the perception of bad words can vary across cultures and families.
Do bad words harm children?
As far as research suggests, bad words themselves do not cause harm to children. Children encounter various words and find them intriguing or exciting, but it is not the words themselves that cause harm. The real harm lies in how children are talked to and the messages that make them feel bad about themselves. The focus should be on creating an environment that promotes positive communication and avoids causing emotional harm, rather than excessive concern over specific words.
Why do people use bad words?
People use bad words for different reasons. These words are often linked to strong emotions, and people learn from a young age that using these words can convey their feelings more effectively. Additionally, using bad words can be seen as a way to appear interesting, clever, or funny. However, the usage of bad words can have both positive and negative consequences. While it can denote membership in certain social groups, it may also give the impression of being out of control. It's important to understand that the usage and perception of bad words can vary across different individuals and cultures.
In this episode, we tackle why some words are "bad". Plus: Why do people say bad words? Why aren't kids allowed to say cuss words? Why is the middle finger bad? And adults, don't worry, we won't actually be using any bad words in this episode! But we will explore the psychology and brain science behind bad words with Benjamin Bergen, professor of cognitive science at University of California, San Diego. He's the author of What the F: What Swearing Reveals About Our Language, Our Brains, and Ourselves.