F U: Why Swearing in Poker is Good For You

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Arved Klöhn Pokerlistings Author
  • Fact Checked by: PokerListings
  • Last updated on: January 14, 2025

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We all know this is just f*ck*d up b*ll sh*t — but we can’t really say it. And, anyway, as Mike Matusow has found out at the poker table, repeated offenses get you repeated fines – up to 10 minutes per F-bomb even. It isn’t just poker rooms, bars or other hang-outs of the young and restless that swearing dominates conversations.

Ever look at the transcripts of the tapes Richard Nixon secretly made of the lofty deliberations in the White House? I have. They’re not easy to read. Indeed, it’s tough to figure out what Tricky Dick was saying at all because essentially every other word was “expletive deleted.” You say mother, I say day.

Swearing is Fundamental to Humans

Swearing is a fundamental feature of human talk. President Obama noted that Mother’s Day had an odd ring to it for Rahm Emanuel, his chief of staff, because Rahm isn’t used to hearing the word ‘day’ follow ‘mother. If you take a quick look back at the history of languages and how they’ve changed, you’ll find that every generation has its ‘cuss’ words. And they change.

‘Bitch’ and ‘bastard’ originally referred respectively, and rather benignly, to a ‘female dog’ and a ‘person born out of wedlock.’ They slowly wended their way into use as effective insults. As such, they functioned as words that ‘offended’ others – which is sufficient to have them fall under some loosely structured disorderly conduct laws.

Consequently, they were ‘banned’ from the airwaves in the US as unsuitable for the ears of ‘decent folk.’ Nowadays, bitch and bastard have become so common they’ve lost much of their affect. They’re barely offensive and hardly insults – and are printed with vowels rather than asterisks. The only TV show where you won’t hear them is Sesame Street.

Why All Societies Have Swear Words

Ever wonder about cursing? Why it’s linguistically universal? Why all societies have swear words? Universality alerts psychologists to the possibility that we’ve stumbled on something fairly deep. Much of the early research on swearing wasn’t very illuminating since it tended to be clothed with concerns about morals and ethical conduct.

But Timothy Jay, a psychologist at the Massachusetts College of the Liberal Arts has carried out some research that cuts through all the trivia and gets right to the heart of the matter: Cursing is good for you! Yup. It turns out that swearing has real and important psychological functions. Its immediate impact is to lessen tensions and release frustrations.

When you’re really pissed (note, not ‘p*ssed’) when some donk-brain sucks out on you on the cash bubble, it’s psychologically uplifting to let loose with a couple of juicy ‘expletive deleteds.’

There is, in addition, a secondary gain of even more significance (from the point of view of smoothing social interactions) — the release of tension also makes it less likely that you’ll resort to physical abuse. And, as we know, when a particular behaviour makes you feel better, it’s a psychological certainty that it will become an action deeply ingrained and oft-repeated.

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Swearing Hurts No One

So, is there a poker message here? Sure. And interestingly, the WSOP has figured it out. “Empty” swearing, venting, is okay. It’s no longer a violation to hurl a “WTF” when the one-outer hits the board. But it’s still a violation to turn to the guy who slurped out on you and call him a “dumb mother f*ck*r” … and it should be.

The offense isn’t in the sound of the words; it’s in the intentions of the speaker to harm another. The real crime is “verbal assault.” This is where the “indecent” element comes in.

I’m a big fan of what I guess we call “directionless” cursing. It can be an art form, a way to express political and social ideas, a device for exploring the edges of meaning. And now it turns out that it can actually make you feel better. Or play better. I feel better already.

Picture yourself in a heads-up cash game. Your opponent shoves all-in on the river, and you get the exact card you dreaded. You’ve bricked every possible draw. You might let out a loud “Ah, f*ck!” under your breath, but you direct it at the situation, not your opponent. This quick outburst can deflate negative emotions without crossing personal boundaries.

Psychological Factors

Poker remains a mental battle as much as a strategic one, and understanding the psychological underpinnings of swearing can help fine-tune your emotional control. Although swearing is not a solution for every tough spot, channeling frustration through a harmless outburst can keep you focused on the math and logic of your decisions. Experienced players know that when tilt is lurking, finding a brief outlet for tension may preserve clarity for the next hand.

Modern poker is guided by precise calculations and mental equilibrium. While GTO (Game Theory Optimal) strategies dictate how to balance your ranges, you still need to keep your composure when your opponent spikes a backdoor draw. Skill at the table isn’t just about making the right mathematical moves; it’s also about maintaining a calm mind. Cursing at the right moment — or even just muttering to yourself — can sometimes be the emotional buffer that keeps you from giving away chips.

When frustration builds, emotional outbursts can either sabotage your decisions or save you from meltdown. Studies show that short bursts of swearing may release endorphins, positively impacting your brain’s capacity to reset under stress. If venting keeps you from stacking off with marginal holdings or chasing an impossible draw, the well-timed swear word might be worth it.

However, the line between beneficial venting and harmful tilt can be thin. Swearing at another player or spewing insults only fuels anger at the table. When that happens, logical thinking goes out the window. The goal is to express emotion without letting it target others.

Constructive Ways to Manage Tension

Cursing is just one tool in your emotional toolkit. Other methods include deep breathing, controlled visualization, or taking a short walk during breaks. Whichever approach you use, the objective is to maintain control of your actions and decisions. Swearing might be one release valve, but combining it with stronger mental discipline ensures you remain a tough and composed opponent.

Poker is a game of incomplete information and psychological warfare. Leaning too heavily on profanity to cope with tension can be a red flag that you’re slipping off your A-game. A thoughtful balance between allowing an emotional outlet and keeping your cool will help you stay sharp even against the toughest fields.

FAQ

What is swearing in poker?

Swearing in poker refers to using profanity or harsh language at the table, usually in response to a frustrating situation such as a bad beat or a tense all-in moment. It can be an emotional release for some players, but the effectiveness and acceptability of it may vary.

Does swearing affect my table image?

Your table image can be impacted if you swear aggressively or too often. Occasional venting might simply mark you as an emotional player, but repeated outbursts can scare off recreational opponents or irritate regulars. Balancing emotional release with professionalism is generally the safer route.

Is it legal to swear in a casino poker room?

In most casino poker rooms, swearing is not outright illegal but is often subject to house rules. Many venues allow casual profanity as long as it isn’t directed at another person. Excessive or abusive language aimed at someone else can lead to penalties or even removal from the game.

Should I confront a player who insults me with swear words?

Confronting them directly at the table can escalate the situation. It’s often better to remain calm and let the dealer or floor staff handle repeated verbal abuse. Keep your focus on the game and avoid retaliatory swearing, which can worsen the atmosphere and harm your own mindset.

Will swearing become a habitual form of tilt for me?

It could if you rely on profanity as your main coping mechanism. Occasional vents are normal, but turning them into a habit may encourage emotional rather than rational play. Recognizing when your emotional release is constructive versus destructive is crucial to keeping a balanced mindset.

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