7 Sweary Colouring Books to Help You De-Stress (and Laugh)
Sometimes a cup of tea just isn’t enough. You have had a long week, the news is grim, and you just want to scream into a pillow. But instead of waking the neighbours, why not pick up a colouring pencil and colour in some very rude words in sweary colouring books?
Adult colouring has become huge in the UK over the last few years. It is a simple way to switch off your brain and focus on something other than your worries. Adding swear words into the mix just makes it more fun. It is naughty, it is silly, and it feels surprisingly good to turn a curse word into a work of art.
I have looked everywhere for the funniest and most satisfying sweary colouring books out there. Whether you want to gift one to a stressed-out friend or keep it for yourself, here is my list of the best ones to buy right now.
Why is adult colouring good for your mental health?
You might think colouring is just for kids. But health experts and psychologists have found it can be really helpful for adults too. It is not a cure for serious mental health problems, but it is a great tool to help you cope with daily stress. Then why not add swearing too! These sweary colouring books take the benefits of colouring to another level!
It helps with anxiety
When you feel anxious, your brain often races with worry. Colouring gives you something simple to focus on. It keeps your hands busy and your mind occupied. This can help quieten the noise in your head.
A study published in 2022 found that colouring therapy helped reduce anxiety levels in patients. The researchers said it worked a bit like mindfulness. It shifted people from a state of high alert to a state of relaxation. By focusing on the patterns and colours, you stop thinking about the past or the future and stay in the moment.
It can lift your mood
Doing something creative can give you a little boost. You do not need to be an artist to get this benefit. Just the act of putting colour on paper can be satisfying. Finishing a page gives you a sense of achievement.
The mental health charity Mind suggests creative activities like arts and crafts can help you relax. They say that getting in touch with your artistic side can make you feel calmer. Even if you are just filling in shapes with a felt-tip pen in a sweary colouring book, you are still creating something.
It is a break from screens
We spend so much time looking at phones and computers. The blue light and constant notifications can make us feel wired and tired. A colouring book has no screen. It has no notifications. It forces you to slow down and look at something real.
Why add swear words?
So why sweary colouring books? Why not just colour in flowers or mandalas? Well, sometimes you just need to vent. Swearing can actually be a good way to release frustration. It is a safe way to let off steam without actually shouting at anyone. Plus, it makes you laugh. Laughter is also great for reducing stress hormones. Combining the calming act of colouring with the humour of rude words is a perfect recipe for relaxation.
My top 7 sweary colouring books
I have picked out seven sweary colouring books that I think are brilliant.
1. For the friend who loves a laugh
If you want something that does not take itself too seriously, check out Zero Ducks Given. This is the ultimate adult colouring book for anyone who needs a laugh, a break, or just a reason to tell the world to bog off… in colour. Featuring hilarious, foul-mouthed animal illustrations, this book is packed with sweary phrases and rebellious charm.
2. The subtle approach
Sometimes you want to be rude, but you want to be classy about it. Well Hidden, Well Rude is perfect for this. At first glance, the pages look like lovely, intricate patterns. But if you look closer, you will find some very naughty words hidden in the design. It is like a secret joke just for you. The designs are clever and fun to colour, and finding the hidden words adds an extra layer of entertainment. This is definitely my favourite of the sweary colouring books.
3. Not so cute and cosy
If you prefer your animals with attitude, have a look at Cosy AF. This one is not a subtle colouring book. The words are front and centre, surrounded by cheeky and sassy animals WDGAF.
4. Laid back colouring
This bold and easy colouring book isn’t a sweary colouring world. But it is full of retro and psychedelic themes. The designs range from simple to detailed, so you can choose a page that matches your energy level. It is a good reminder not to sweat the small stuff.
5. If you love cats
Some swear words sound better when you imagine a moody/angry cat. Hiss Off is full of sassy, sweary cats. It is full of phrases that only angry cats can get away with, and they’re all very familiar and very funny. It would make a brilliant Secret Santa gift for a colleague or a stocking filler for a mate.
6. Things you can’t say at work
Tired of fake smiles and pointless meetings? Professional-ish is your ultimate workplace therapy session, but in colouring book form. Professional-ish is a book full of animals who’ve had a bad day at work. So whether you’re passive-aggressively colouring during a Zoom call or stress-relieving on your lunch break, this book delivers big laughs, bold lines, and absolute chaos on every page.
7. The ultimate stress reliever
Finally, we have Class Dismissed. This book is for teacher who need to let go of all their classroom rage. By the time you finish a page, you will likely feel a lot calmer. It would make a great end of term gift for sassy teachers who would love sweary colouring books instead of another best teacher mug!
Top tips for the best colouring experience
You have got your sweary colouring books, now you need the right tools. Using cheap pens that rip the paper or pencils that snap can just add to your stress. Here is what I recommend for the best experience.
Choosing your pens
The paper in colouring books can vary. Some is thick, some is thin.
- Felt tips: These are great for bold colour. But be careful. If the ink is too wet, it can bleed through to the page behind. Look for water-based pens like the Staedtler Triplus Fineliners. They have a fine tip, which is good for details, and they usually do not bleed through standard paper.
- Alcohol markers: These give amazing, smooth colour. Professional artists love them. However, they almost always bleed through paper. If you use these, make sure you put a piece of scrap card behind the page you are colouring to protect the next sheet. One recommended brand is Ohuhu.
- Gel pens: These are fun for adding sparkle or neon effects. They work well on small details but can take a while to dry, so be careful not to smudge them with your hand.
Pencils are safer
If you are worried about ruining the next page of your sweary colouring books, stick to coloured pencils. They never bleed through. You can also shade and blend with them, which you cannot do easily with pens.
- Soft cores: Look for pencils with a “soft core”. Brands like Faber-Castell or Prismacolor are famous for this, but you can find cheaper alternatives. Soft pencils lay down colour smoothly without you having to press hard.
- Sharpening: Get a decent metal sharpener. Cheap plastic ones often break the lead inside the wood, which is infuriating. What ois the point using a sweary colouring book if the act of colouring stresses you more?
Create a calm space
You can colour sweary colouring books anywhere, but it works best if you set the scene.
- Find good light: You do not want to strain your eyes. Sit by a window or get a bright lamp.
- Get comfy: Sit in a chair that supports your back. Slouching over a table for an hour will give you a stiff neck.
- Put on some sounds: Some people like silence. Others like music or an audiobook. I find listening to the radio or a podcast helps me switch off completely.
When to seek extra help
Colouring, especially sweary colouring, is a wonderful self-help tool. It is cheap, accessible, and safe. However, it is not a replacement for professional medical advice.
If you are feeling constantly anxious, sad, or overwhelmed, please speak to someone.
- Your GP: They can discuss options with you.
- NHS 111: You can call them for advice if you are not sure what to do.
- Charities: Organisations like Mind and Samaritans are there to listen and support you.
The NHS website has a great guide on the 5-4-3-2-1 grounding technique. This is another simple tool you can use alongside colouring. You name 5 things you can see, 4 you can touch, 3 you can hear, 2 you can smell, and 1 you can taste. Like sweary colouring books, it helps bring you back to the present moment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is adult colouring really good for you?
Yes, many studies and experts agree it has benefits. It engages the brain in a way that can lower stress and improve focus. It gives you a break from worry.
What is the best medium for adult colouring books?
It depends on the paper quality of the book. Coloured pencils are the safest bet as they do not bleed. If you prefer pens, water-based fineliners are usually safe. If you use alcohol markers, always put a protective sheet behind your page.
Can I use Sharpies in my colouring book?
Sharpies are alcohol-based permanent markers. They will definitely bleed through the paper. If the book is single-sided (meaning there is no image on the back of the page), you can use them if you put a piece of card behind the page. If the book has pictures on both sides, Sharpies will ruin the image on the back.
Do I need to be good at art?
Absolutely not. That is the best thing about sweary colouring books. The lines are already there for you. You just have to fill them in. There is no right or wrong way to do it. You can colour a tree purple if you want to.
Is this suitable for children?
No. These books contain very strong language. They are definitely for adults only. Keep them out of reach of kids.
Final thoughts
Life is stressful. We all need little ways to cope. Buying a book full of swear words might seem silly, but that is exactly why it works. It allows you to be playful and a bit rebellious.
So go on, treat yourself to one of these sweary colouring books. Make a cup of tea, grab your pencils, and spend an hour colouring in something very rude. You might find it is exactly what you needed.
Which of the sweary colouring books above would you like? Should I run a giveaway for one? Let me know in the comments below.
