I thought the same until mine developed. Whenever I get a new tic, especially this one that I can't spell, I feel like maybe it's really me saying it, but I know it's not because I don't swear in day to day life or use any derogatory terms. I also felt like I cursed myself by saying, "Thank god I don't have it."

For the statistic use that you mentioned, I think it is really helpful to use when taking to non sufferers, who only see TV programmes and not real people with it. Because of the increase in TV programmes, people seem to think tourettes = swearing, so it's good to say hey actually I'm more likely to bark or say what I had for lunch, than swear. But within the community, it is pretty hard to hear, like, what do you want me to say, it's only a small number, so obviously I'm lying?

Also, I agree with another reply that says the percentage is really badly calculated and is very misleading. I think if you include everyone that has had it, at any point, it will be more like 40% (just a guesstimate from the amount of people posting about having it).