What does spitting mean?
Spitting most commonly means forcefully ejecting saliva or sputum from the mouth, especially while coughing, speaking sharply, or reacting with disgust. The verb can also describe ejecting another liquid in a spray, as in phrases referring to fire, venom, or sparks. Figuratively, spitting may convey the expression of intense anger, contempt, or defiance, often in the idiom “spitting venom.” Although the literal action is unpleasant, the word lends itself to memorable expressions: someone may be within “spitting distance,” or resemble another person as a “spitting image.” Spit comes from Old English spītan, and related forms include spittle and spitter. The modern present-participle form follows the ordinary English pattern of adding -ing to a verb. Spitting is useful because it can describe both a concrete physical action and a vivid emotional reaction, making it especially common in descriptions of speech, behavior, animals, and heated encounters.
To forcefully eject saliva or another liquid from the mouth, or to express anger or contempt forcefully.
"The child was spitting bubbles and laughing."
The act of spitting or forcefully expelling saliva or another liquid.
"His constant spitting made everyone uncomfortable."
The noun is usually uncountable and is less common than the verb.
That spits or forcefully ejects a liquid or substance.
"A spitting snake startled the hikers."
The countable plural is rare and is used mainly for separate instances of spitting.
"The recording captured two separate spittings."
From spitting cobras to “spitting distance,” saliva gives English some of its sharpest and most vivid imagery.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does spitting come from?
The verb continues Old English spītan, “to spit,” with related forms including spittle and spitter developing from the same broad Germanic word group. The modern form spelling follows the established English spelling of the base verb spit, while the ending -ing marks an ongoing or accompanying action. In figurative expressions, the word extends the physical idea of forcefully expelling liquid to forceful displays of anger or contempt.
Related word forms
How spitting is actually used
The literal use is neutral to informal, while figurative uses such as “spitting venom” are often strongly hostile or contemptuous. The noun use is less common than the verb form and is usually uncountable.
Easily confused with spitting
Spinning means rotating or twisting rapidly, whereas spitting means forcefully ejecting saliva or another liquid from the mouth.