Let's talk about the "F" word...yes, that word. Unless I'm around children, I admit I do use it. Hey, sometimes it's the only word that expresses exactly how I feel. Experts in psychology, linguistics, and neuroscience view the use of the F word not as a sign of poor intelligence or bad manners, but as a complex, powerful tool for human emotion, physical endurance, and social bonding. So, there you have it! Stub your toe on the furniture. No other word expresses pain and frustration quite like it. Hearing someone has cancer...F cancer! And used as an adjective, doesn't it just perfectly sum up your feelings as "F*cking Idiot" can only do! Many people claim "f*ck" stands for an old law like "Fornication Under Consent of the King." This is completely false. The F word is thought to come from the German word fricken which means "to strike" or "to hit". It may also come from the Swedish dialectal word focka ("to strike" or "to copulate") and/or the Dutch word fokken ("to breed"). Do you tend to use the F word often?

Fun fact: John Marrs, the psychological thriller author dedicated an entire chapter in his novel "Keep It In The Family" to the word. Chapter 39 is a single word "F*CK". The single word represents the exact, unfiltered internal reaction of a character named Finn after a major plot twist and revelation involving an affair. Readers of this book agree that this hilarious, abrupt chapter turned into a massive internet meme, inspiring reader reaction photos, special merchandise, and even fan tattoos. Have you read this book?

The F word has actually increased in popularity across the world. People in Norway, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands, India, and the U.K. use it liberally in conversation, and of course, here at home, we use it to express anger, frustration, pain, surprise...just about anything. Interestingly, using swear words to express pain can actually increase your pain tolerance by up to 33%. I knew swearing was psychologically good for you! I admit that the only thing I never use the F word in relation to is sex. Do you use it to mean sex?