We examine whether polite or impolite speech affects experts' persuasiveness. Across three studies, experts using impolite language proved more persuasive than when polite (as portrayed by the Dr. House TV character) informing persuasion and politeness research.
Keywords: Dr. House; attitude change; expertise; persuasion; politeness.
© 2026 The Author(s). PsyCh Journal published by Institute of Psychology, Chinese Academy of Sciences and John Wiley & Sons Australia, Ltd.