A series of random questions answered by Harvard experts.
Why are you cursing? Steven Pinker breaks down the history of taboo words, different categories of swearing, and the meaning conveyed by a bleep
June 2, 2025
How to dance like somebody’s watching Choreographer offers tips on finding release: ‘Ain’t nobody concerned if you look good’
April 10, 2025
How to take yourself less seriously Clinical psychologist draws line between self-deprecating humor (with its health, social benefits) and self-flagellation
There is a time and a place for everything and foul language is no bloody different
A series of random questions answered by Harvard experts.
What happens to us when we use vulgarity all the time.
Next time you're primed to hold back a torrent of four-letter frustration, just let 'er rip instead.
The study's main takeaway: "Be bold. It is the thing that slows down authoritarian creep."
The long-running series in which readers answer other readers’ questions on subjects ranging from trivial flights of fancy to…
