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Spitting or expectoration 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. In Europe and North America , the action of spitting has become popular and "cool" among many children and teenagers as a sign of contempt or frustration at society in general, or (more commonly) higher powers such as the law.
Spitting upon another person, especially onto their face, is a universal sign of anger, hatred or contempt. It is possible to transmit infectious diseases in this way.
In London, transport workers who deal with the public 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.
History of spitting in western Europe
Social attitudes towards spitting have changed greatly in western Europe since the Middle Ages. Then, frequent spitting was part of everyday life at all levels of society - indeed, it was thought ill-mannered to suck back saliva to avoid spitting. By the early 1700s, spitting had become seen as something which should be concealed, and by 1859 many viewed the spitting on the floor or street as vulgar, especially in mixed company. Spittoons were used openly during the nineteenth century to provide an acceptable outlet for spitters. Spitoons became far less common after the influenza epidemic of 1918, and their use has since virtually disappeared.
Spitting competitions
There are some places whereby spitting is a competitive sport, with or without a projectile in the mouth. For example, there is a Guinness World Record for cherry pit spitting, and there are world championships in Kudu dung spitting.
Other
- Amongst the Fremen of Arrakis in Frank Herbert's Dune series, spitting is an act of showing one's appreciation and respect. This might be confusing at first, but one must realize that the desert of Arrakis provides only a small amount of water to live from, and so giving away fluid is naturally a special sign of honor.
- Spitting (or "gobbing") was a common practise among English punks in the 1970's. When the punk bands played live, it was seen as a compliment to spit on them.
See also
References
- Norbert Elias, The Civilizing Process, ISBN 0631221611
External links
"Spitting"