Spucken

Spucken is the act of expelling saliva from the mouth. In German, spucken is the verb meaning “to spit,” while Spucken can function as a noun referring to the act itself. In English, the terms are spitting or expectoration. The behavior occurs in many contexts, from routine throat clearing and the disposal of saliva to deliberate actions such as spitting out chewing tobacco or other substances.

Spitting can be voluntary or incidental. People may spit to clear mucus, after swallowing, or when discarding liquid from the mouth. In some cultures and situations, spitting is more common or socially sanctioned, while in others it is regarded as unsanitary or disrespectful, especially in public or near others.

Health and hygiene considerations are central to the topic. Saliva can carry infectious agents, and spitting has been linked to the transmission of certain diseases. Public health guidance in many regions discourages spitting in shared spaces and promotes hygiene practices such as coughing into a tissue or the elbow, and disposing of saliva in a tissue or trash rather than on the ground.

Cultural and legal aspects vary. Some jurisdictions regulate or prohibit public spitting with fines or penalties, while others treat it as a minor nuisance. Historically, spittoons were used in public spaces to collect spit, particularly in eras or regions where chewing tobacco was common. Etiquette around spitting remains context dependent, reflecting social norms about cleanliness and respect for others.

See also: spittoon, chewing tobacco, public health policies on hygiene.