Spitting

Spitting is the act of expelling saliva or other substances from the mouth by a rapid forward motion of the tongue and throat muscles. It can be performed deliberately to remove saliva, mucus, or blood, or as a consequence of actions such as chewing tobacco or coughing up phlegm. Spitting may target the ground, a spittoon, a tissue, or occasionally be directed into the air.

Cultural and social aspects vary. In some cultures spitting is part of ritual or symbolic practice, while in many modern societies it is viewed as unhygienic or impolite. Public attitudes toward spitting differ by place and context, and some jurisdictions have laws or regulations restricting it in order to reduce nuisance and health risks.

Health considerations are a focus of public health guidance. Saliva can carry pathogens, and expelled droplets can contaminate surfaces or be inhaled by bystanders, potentially facilitating the transmission of infections. For this reason, many health authorities discourage spitting in public and encourage disposing of saliva in a tissue or sink.

History and equipment illustrate the social impact of the habit. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, widespread chewing of tobacco led to the use of spittoons—containers placed in homes, workplaces, railcars, and public spaces—to collect spit. The practice declined in many regions due to anti-spitting campaigns and changes in tobacco use.