ADHD is sometimes associated with Tourette’s which is a condition whose symptoms include tics. These tics can consist of swearing which is the common perception of Tourette’s syndrome. However swearing is quite rare in Tourette’s and is by no means the only form of tics. People with Tourette’s can exhibit involuntary twitches, movements and sounds which they have no control over and can be very embarrassing.
As a person who loves swearing I can’t help wondering if this is related to Tourette’s though. Using a fruity curse word gives me a sense of satisfaction and I find I can really express myself. Some say that using curse words shows a lack of imagination, but I have a first degree in English Literature and I would argue that swearing can be super creative and straight from the heart.
I’ve had conversations with many ADHD people over the years and lots of us hide our true sweary selves when we first meet. But gradually the facade falls and we start to reveal our real selves, dropping the odd F-bomb into the conversation to see how it lands. When we see that the other person is like minded, we can take the mask off and feel comfortable being authentic in our language.
Obviously we have to be professional at work, mindful with family and appropriate in our relationships. But when we find our people we can be who we really are, and that sometimes means letting go and using the heartfelt words and phrases that really say what we mean. Swearing can be liberating.
Check out this research into ADHD and swearing on social media
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sharath-Chandra-Guntuku/publication/320045034_Language_of_ADHD_in_Adults_on_Social_Media/links/5a6ea816a6fdcc317b191cc0/Language-of-ADHD-in-Adults-on-Social-Media.pdf
