Archive · 10 Oct 2026
Living With Tourette Syndrome: Explain, Don’t Apologise
Tourette syndrome can make a person have movements or sounds they cannot control.
The writer has a tic called coprolalia, which can make them say rude or upsetting words without meaning to.
They say these words do not show what they really think.
They may sense a tic coming, but cannot stop it.
Afterward, they feel worried and embarrassed.
The writer says movies often show this kind of tic, even though only a minority of people with Tourette’s have it.
They want people to understand the condition instead of assuming the words are deliberate.
The writer says coprolalia causes their most distressing Tourette-related tics.
Coprolalia involves involuntarily saying taboo or profane words.
The writer says these utterances do not reflect what they think or believe.
They describe blurting out hurtful remarks to strangers and feeling unable to stop.
The writer says films often focus on coprolalia, although it affects only a minority of people with Tourette’s.
- Who
- A writer who has Tourette syndrome and coprolalia.
- What
- The writer describes involuntary profane or hurtful utterances and calls for greater understanding.
- Why
- To explain that the utterances are involuntary and do not represent the writer’s beliefs or character.
- Condition
- Tourette syndrome
- Tic described
- Coprolalia, the uncontrollable utterance of profanity
- Prevalence stated
- The article says coprolalia affects only a minority of people with Tourette’s.
- Effect on the writer
- The writer says the tic causes anguish and can lead to involuntary insults or upsetting remarks.
- Writer’s message
- The words are involuntary and do not express what the writer thinks or believes.
- Media portrayal
- The writer says films often focus on coprolalia when depicting or mocking Tourette’s.