Spitting or expectoration is the act of forcibly ejecting saliva or other substances from the mouth. It is currently considered rude and a social taboo in many parts of the world including the West, while in some other parts of the world it is considered more socially acceptable. It is commonly believed that it is possible to transmit infectious diseases in this way, including tuberculosis, influenza, and the common cold but the epidemiological evidence that this is the case is not present and it is likely that this belief - although intuitive is not reflective of meaningful risk.
Spitting upon another person, especially onto the face, is a universal sign of anger, hatred, disrespect or contempt. It can represent a "symbolical regurgitation" or an act of intentional contamination.
Read more about Spitting: In The Western World, Competitions, Gleeking, Spitting As A Protection Against Evil, In Other Animals
Famous quotes containing the word spitting:
“The boundary line between self and external world bears no relation to reality; the distinction between ego and world is made by spitting out part of the inside, and swallowing in part of the outside.”
—Norman O. Brown (b. 1913)