Spitting

Spitting is the act of forcibly ejecting saliva or other substances from the mouth. In some cultures it is seen as offensive to spit in public, whereas it is widely tolerated in others.

Spitting upon another person, especially onto their face, is a near-universal sign of anger, hatred or contempt. It is possible to transmit infectious diseases in this way.

In London, bus drivers have recently been given equipment to collect saliva when they are spat upon by irate passengers. The police can then analyse the DNA of the offender.

In much of China, spitting in public has traditionally been widely tolerated, although attitudes are changing.

See also

• Spittoon
• Spitting fetishism
• Cherry pit spitting
• Drooling