Taboo tics like shouting curses and slurs are uncommon in Tourette syndrome − but people who have them suffer harsh social stigma

Obscene language tics, called coprolalia, don’t reveal what people with Tourette’s think and feel. In fact, tics often compel people to say or do precisely what they most wish to avoid.

By: Rena Zito, Elon University, The Conversation

Outlets: The Conversation

Published: February 24, 2026

Words: 1,129

Last Updated: 2 weeks, 2 days ago

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By Rena Zito, Elon University

John Davidson, whose life inspired the award-winning biopic “I Swear,” involuntarily shouted a racial slur during Michael B. Jordan and Delroy Lindo’s speech at the BAFTA film awards in London on Feb. 22, 2026. The moment went viral, and the ensuing backlash ignited public debate about Tourette syndrome and its most shocking symptom.

Davidson has been a familiar figure to British audiences since his teenage years, when he first appeared …

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