Fact Check: Americans use curse words 36 times per 100,000 words online.

Published June 22, 2025

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VERDICT

Partially True

# Fact Check: "Americans use curse words 36 times per 100,000 words online." ## What We Know The claim that Americans use curse words 36 times per 10...

Fact Check: "Americans use curse words 36 times per 100,000 words online."

What We Know

The claim that Americans use curse words 36 times per 100,000 words online is supported by a recent study that analyzed nearly two billion words from various online sources. According to the findings, the frequency of curse words in American online communication is approximately 0.036%, which translates to 36 curse words in a 100,000-word text (source-3). This study also noted that Americans ranked highest in profanity usage among English-speaking countries, with the British and Australians following at 25 and 22 curse words per 100,000 words, respectively (source-3).

Analysis

The evidence supporting the claim comes from a comprehensive linguistic analysis conducted by researchers who examined a vast dataset of online content, including news articles, blogs, and institutional publications, but notably excluded social media platforms (source-3). The methodology appears robust, as it involved a significant volume of text and a clear definition of what constitutes profanity.

However, it is important to consider the context and limitations of the study. The exclusion of social media may skew the results, as platforms like Twitter and Facebook often feature higher instances of informal language and profanity. Additionally, the cultural context in which profanity is used varies significantly, and the anonymity of online communication may lead to increased use of curse words compared to face-to-face interactions (source-3).

The study's authors, including linguist Martin Schweinberger, suggest that cultural norms and the perceived anonymity of online communication contribute to the higher frequency of profanity among Americans (source-3). This insight adds a layer of complexity to the claim, indicating that while the statistic is accurate, it may not fully capture the nuances of language use across different contexts.

Conclusion

The claim that "Americans use curse words 36 times per 100,000 words online" is Partially True. While the statistic is accurate according to the study's findings, it is essential to recognize the limitations of the research, particularly regarding the exclusion of social media and the cultural factors influencing language use. Therefore, while the figure is supported by data, it may not represent the complete picture of profanity usage in all online contexts.

Sources

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