Coprolalia refers to the frequent and involuntary use of vulgar or obscene language, particularly terms associated with feces. This symptom is commonly seen in Tourette syndrome, a disorder that typically begins in childhood and is marked by involuntary arm movements, facial tics, and vocalizations like grunting, groaning, or shouting. In addition to coprolalia, individuals with Tourette syndrome often experience echolalia, which is the automatic repetition of words or phrases spoken by others. People with Tourette syndrome do not swear out of anger or dissatisfaction, but rather due to an uncontrollable urge. They are unable to stop themselves. This disorder is also known as Gilles de la Tourette syndrome.Occasionally, coprolalia can also manifest as a symptom of schizophrenia, a serious mental disorder characterized by a detachment from reality, social withdrawal, and unusual behavior. In individuals with schizophrenia, swearing may occur without any apparent reason. There is no established connection between Tourette syndrome and schizophrenia.People with undiagnosed Tourette syndrome or schizophrenia may face public ridicule when they experience a coprolalia outburst, as those nearby may assume the swearing is intentional. However, it is not. There are medications available to help manage these outbursts. Individuals who swear excessively and repeatedly by choice are not considered to have coprolalia, though some may use the term informally to describe them.The term "coprolalia" comes from the Greek words "kopros" (meaning dung) and "lalein" (meaning to babble). The word "kopros" has also led to English terms like "coprolith," which refers to a hardened mass of feces in the intestines, and other related words.
