Spitting is the act of forcibly ejecting saliva or other substances from the mouth. In Europe and North America, it is normally considered rude, and a social taboo. However, it is very common amongst the Chinese. It is sometimes considered a competitive and fun activity amongst youths. 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.
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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, and at all levels of society, 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. Spittoons became far less common after the influenza epidemic of 1918, and their use has since virtually disappeared.
Spitting habits
Many people in the world spit for different reasons. Atypical pneumonia can be spread by respiratory droplets. Atypical pneumonia is a pneumonia that does not respond to the usual antibiotic treatment, therefore making this pneumonia rather severe. Another disease which can be transmitted by spitting is tuberculosis. The act of spitting has become popular among many children and teenagers as a sign of contempt or frustration at society in general, or higher powers such as the law.
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. Since the desert of Arrakis provides only a small amount of water to live from, giving away fluid is a special sign of honor.
- Spitting (or "gobbing") was a common practise among English punks in the 1970s. When the punk bands played live, it was seen as part of the punk ritual to spit on them.
- The Maasai tribe in Africa spit upon one another as a greeting and farewell. This was satirized in the movie Ace Ventura: When Nature Calls.
- A llama may spit if it is annoyed.
- In law, spitting may be considered an assault and battery.
- Spitting within a few days after removal of wisdom teeth can disrupt the recovery process as the spitting action can change the pressure inside the mouth and disturb scabs/clots in the wound.
