This article was written by Cristina Cevallos.
A hot mic catches an athlete swearing, a viral clip spreads, and within hours the moment is forgotten. Profanity has become so common in public life that it barely registers anymore. We shrug it off as stress, authenticity, or harmless release. But when language this harsh becomes normal—spoken on screens, in homes, and even around children—it raises a deeper question: if words shape how we think and act, what is constant profanity shaping us into?
Profanity is a term that encompasses offenses against God, references to genitalia and bodily functions, racial insults, sexual exhibitionism, and other forms of obscenity. It is especially common in sports, on the streets, on social media, in political speeches, as well as on screens in music, on stage, and in comedy. Yet it does not exist only “out there.” It also comes from us: when we are driving, when things go wrong, during arguments, and even within the family members. Its prevalence raises an important question: although profanity is common, should it be avoided? Does it carry negative consequences, or is it merely a harmless form of emotional release?
How Words Affect Our Emotions and Behavior
To address these questions, it is useful to begin to answer these questions from a psychological perspective. Vulgar language activates different areas of the brain compared to neutral language. This is because it is processed by regions associated with emotion and impulsivity, particularly the amygdala, which plays a key role in the body’s response to stress and emotional arousal. This neurological pathway helps explain why swear words often produce a stronger emotional impact than neutral expressions. In fact, his type of harmful language is typical in a culture of competition and frustration and is often triggered by a biological response that pushes individuals into a perceived state of threat.
At the same time, profanity can hijack the brain’s limbic system, the center of emotional processing. When an expletive is uttered, it may trigger a surge of dopamine, functioning as a pressure-release valve for anger or intense excitement. This is why habitual profanity can have a profound impact on our emotional and cognitive landscape. When such words become the default in our vocabulary, they reinforce negative emotional patterns and gradually erode our ability to manage stress with composure.
Over time, this strengthens a tendency toward intemperate, rapid, and unfiltered emotional reactions, while weakening the cognitive faculties responsible for self-control and deliberate regulation. Consequently, frequent exposure to harsh language may diminish emotional self-regulation and self-esteem. Indeed, profanity reinforces negative thought patterns, increases stress levels, and disrupts interpersonal harmony.
Civilized Speech vs. Animal Instinct
Although demonstrating biological consequences should already be sufficient, there is another, deeper layer to consider. The use of language is one of the defining characteristics that distinguishes human beings from animals.
As psychology suggests, the establishment of social norms (what is permitted versus what is not) and the ability to show respect for others through language were integral to the process of humanization and are what ultimately make social coexistence possible. Our response to what displeases or offends us, therefore, should not be an “animal” reaction. We should be capable of articulating our thoughts clearly without surrendering to intense emotions that give rise to verbal and physical violence. Hence, profanity, often without our noticing, contributes to social deterioration.
Let us consider a few examples. The 43rd Adjutant Battalion recently issued a memo instructing military personnel to refrain from using expletives, making it clear that profanity, vulgar language, rude gestures, or inappropriate remarks are prohibited for soldiers while on duty at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. As spokesperson Tiffany Wood stated, “The most productive work environment is one where employees and Soldiers treat each other as they would like to be treated.”
Russia has also paid attention to this issue. President Vladimir Putin has signed a law prohibiting the use of insults and obscene language in the arts, culture, and entertainment events across the country. Under this regulation, any new film containing obscene language cannot receive a distribution certificate. Likewise existing books, discs, or films that include profane language may only be distributed if clearly labeled as “containing obscene language.”
Virtue vs vice
Respectful language is not merely a matter of manners; it is a means of nurturing both the soul and society. Everything that comes out of our mouths reflects our inner values or the absence of them. Pure speech is a sign of internal discipline and moral strength while its opposite accelerates vice and moral decay. Religious teachings consistently encourage the use of language that inspires, comforts, and uplifts rather than degrades or humiliates. Words are not neutral; they carry ethical weight and shape the moral climate of communities.
Indeed, we cannot praise God while simultaneously cursing our brothers and sisters. What resides in the heart inevitably emerges through the mouth and it can take the form of insults and curses.
Self-awareness and resolution
We are called to a high standard of living, and that standard should be maintained coherently in every area of life. This does not mean suppressing strong emotions, but rather expressing them in ways that promote self-control and mental clarity. Some practical steps are very simple, like replacing offensive words and phrases with lighter or even playful alternatives. Also, it is crucial to surround ourselves with friends and environments that set a positive example, or at least do not pull us downward.
At the same time, avoiding the consumption of violent or degrading content will help us to clear our minds. Moreover, if our job involves producing goods or services, we should resist the temptation to rely on vulgarity for profit and instead strive to create things that are both economically viable and morally uplifting. And most importantly, within the family, it is key to set a good example for children and relatives, being mindful of the content they consume and the language they adopt. Above all, we must remember that our words invariably reveal what resides in our hearts.
Author bio
Cristina is a Peruvian lawyer with a master’s degree in Human Rights. She combines political experience with her work as a writer and researcher, focusing on bioethics, family, religious freedom, and cultural heritage.
