F@@k! 40 seconds!

Psychologists at Britain's Keele University recruited 64 college students and asked them to put their hands in a tub of ice water for as long as possible while repeating a curse word of their choice. Compared to when they were not allow to swear, they were able to keep their hands submerged in the water for an average of 40 seconds longer. When questioned about their perceived pain they also rated it as being lower.

Dr Richard Stephens, lead conductor of the study, said, "[Swearing] taps into emotional brain centers and appears to arise the right brain, whereas most languages production occurs in the left hemisphere. Our research shows one potential reason why swearing developed and why it persists."

It's almost common sense that curse words are effective pain-killers. (Don't OD though...) But I guess it's interesting to see some numbers.