“I think the reason that swearing is both so offensive and so attractive is that it is a way to push people's emotional buttons, and especially their negative emotional buttons. Because words soak up emotional connotations and are processed involuntarily by the listener, you can't will yourself not to treat the word in terms of what it means.”

Share & Save

Meaning

Not documented yet.

When It Was Said

Not documented yet.

Who It Was Said To

Not documented yet.

Historical Context

Not documented yet.

Source

Not documented yet.

Original Language & Translation

Originally said in English.

Did They Really Say It?

Not documented yet.

Did You Know?

Not documented yet.

About Steven Pinker

Canadian cognitive psychologist and linguist, best known for his accessible explorations of human nature and the rational foundations of morality. His work bridges psychology, evolutionary biology, and philosophy, offering insights into language, violence, and progress.

More from Steven Pinker (283 quotes) →
"I think the reason that swearing is both so offensive and so attracti…" — Steven Pinker | Daily Quotes