Maledictology is the branch of psychology that investigates emotional expression through swearing. Swearing is defined as ‘uttering offensive emotional speech’.[1] One of the main theories explaining swearing is the Neuro-Psycho-Social theory. This theory uses a multi-disciplinary approach to understand the causes and uses of swearing. For example, potential uses include slang, humour elicitation, and expression of emotion.[2] Maledictology research is limited as psychologists and linguists who research swearing often categorize their findings separately.
Maledictology is highly influenced by American psychologist Timothy Jay (Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts), and professor Reinhold Aman (California).[3][4] Aman was also the founder of Maledicta: The International Research Center for the Study of Verbal Aggression, which published articles about maledictology.[5]