Contrary to common belief, two behaviors—talking to oneself and swearing—are linked to higher intelligence, according to recent psychological research. A study published in 2012 by Gary Lupyan and Daniel Swingley found that individuals who verbalize their thoughts while searching for objects do so more efficiently, suggesting that self-talk enhances cognitive processing. This aligns with findings from a 2023 review in Frontiers in Psychology, which highlighted the role of self-talk in various mental functions, including working memory and task management. Similarly, swearing has been shown to correlate with a rich vocabulary. A 2015 study by Kristin and Timothy Jay revealed that participants with higher verbal fluency also used more swear words. Swearing, therefore, is not a sign of limited vocabulary but rather an indication of emotional nuance and social understanding. Despite these findings, societal perceptions remain negative, with many viewing swearers as less intelligent. This research challenges the stigma associated with these behaviors and suggests they may actually reflect cognitive sophistication.