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    Categories>Psychology>Why Teachers Actually Curse: The Surprising Science

    Why Teachers Actually Curse: The Surprising Science

    8 min
    |
    |
    Nov 29, 2025
    PsychologyEducationCommunication skill

    Jackson and Eli dive into fascinating research revealing the psychology behind teacher swearing - from emotional release to strategic communication tools that can actually enhance learning.

    Why Teachers Actually Curse: The Surprising Science

    Best quote from Why Teachers Actually Curse: The Surprising Science

    “

    Strategic swearing can actually make teachers more relatable and authentic to their students, breaking down the formal barrier between educator and student to show genuine passion for the subject matter.

    ”

    This audio lesson was created by a BeFreed community member

    Input question

    Why does teachers curse?

    Host voices
    Jacksonplay
    Eliplay
    Knowledge sources
    Effects of professor swearing on learning and perceptions - Frontiers
    link
    https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/education/articles/10.3389/feduc.2025.1451584/full
    WORDS THAT BIND AND BREAK: A SOCIOLINGUISTIC STUDY OF PROFANITY AMONG STAKE
    link
    https://www.pinagpalapublishing.com/publications/world-education-connect-multidisciplinary-e-publication/wec-2025-issues/wec-vol-v-issue-x-october-2025/words-that-bind-and-break-a-sociolinguistic-study-of-profanity-among-stake
    Students' perceptions of instructor credibility and similarity : the effects of swearing in a college classroom during interpersonal interactions
    link
    https://d.lib.msu.edu/etd/50031
    When an Instructor Swears in Class: Examining the Functions and Targets of Instructor Swearing from College Students' Retrospective Accounts
    link
    https://www.academia.edu/12180818/When_an_Instructor_Swears_in_Class_Examining_the_Functions_and_Targets_of_Instructor_Swearing_from_College_Students_Retrospective_Accounts
    Code of Ethics for Educators | NEA - National Education Association
    link
    https://www.nea.org/resource-library/code-ethics-educators
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    "Reading used to feel like a chore. Now it’s just part of my lifestyle."

    @Erin, Investment Banking Associate , NYC
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    "Feels effortless compared to reading. I’ve finished 6 books this month already."

    @djmikemoore
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    Award winning collection
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    Key Takeaways

    1

    Welcome & Introduction

    0:00
    0:11
    0:32
    2

    Setting the Context: The Research Landscape

    0:41
    0:52
    1:06
    1:18
    1:33
    3

    The Emotional Release Function

    1:43
    1:56
    2:07
    2:19
    2:32
    4

    Social Bonding and Relatability

    2:43
    2:52
    3:05
    2:07
    3:27
    3:43
    5

    Context and Professional Boundaries

    3:54
    1:18
    4:12
    0:52
    4:38
    4:49
    6

    The Double-Edged Sword of Credibility

    5:05
    5:11
    0:32
    5:34
    5:45
    1:18
    7

    Practical Applications for Educators

    6:09
    6:14
    6:25
    6:35
    6:45
    1:18
    7:07
    8

    Closing Reflections

    7:20
    7:27
    7:40
    2:07
    8:07
    8:17
    8:31

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