Why Do People Spit?

[Tarser]

I often see young men spitting. Why do they do it? I have never had the urge to spit. Is it a macho thing copied from footballers? Is it a bit like a dog cocking its leg to mark territory? It just seems such an odd thing to do. If you've got a bit of mucus in your mouth, a tissue seems the obvious choice. Any spitters care to explain?

[sandyRoe]

People who chew khat must produce a lot of saliva. That might be their excuse. Anyone else doing it is just pure ignorant.

[New Judge]

The main reason is that they are filthy, ill-mannered, ignorant inconsiderate, antisocial pigs. No sorry that's very insulting - to pigs.

[mushroom25]

:-)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j6ryB5MvfUY

[Purple_Popple]

It is so gross! If i see any guy spitting I loudly tut at them in disgust...it is unnecessary and filthy and it spreads germs !

[Purple_Popple]

I see football players spit a lot too during play...yuk.

[B00]

I hate it.

I accidentally stood on a globule of it on my way to work once, I dry heaved the rest of the way into work, dirty gits!

[boxtops]

It's revolting, I do blame what people see on the TV like footballers. This foul habit went away for years, when I was a child there was always a No Spitting sign inside the buses. Foul - use a tissue (then put the tissue in your pocket or a wastebin, not on the floor).

[dunnitall]

We'll said new judge totally agree especially that it's insulting to pigs to call them such!

[ruthandsam]

I can mention a few women who do it too. But the 'best' place for observing people spit is definitely China. It's almost like a sport there. The women and men can be wearing the finest of clothing and dripping in gold but they still spit. Even in an lift!!!!! Gross.

[tamborine]

Full on grollees seem to be de rigueur in mid & far east, xcept S'pore where spitters face heavy fines. Flippin gud job they have monsoon to wash slimy streets.

Some of Our streets have 'blood red splats' around asian shops from chewing paan - yuk

[ChillDoubt]

I don't spit as a general rule in public however, if I feel the need on the rugby field I will despatch my 'grolly' at the side of the pitch in a discrete manner.
I'm certainly not going to be gobbing into a handkerchief/tissue.

[pixie373]

It's just a disgusting habit, Imo.

[Mamyalynne]

Tuck a hankie up your knicker leg Chill - set an example.

[jomifl]

But why do you spit chill? I've managed to avoid spitting except in a dentist's surgery or when cleaning my teeth. It is incomprehensible.

[ChillDoubt]

I've got enough in my pockets as it is Mamya, I'll continue in a discrete manner during breaks in play!

[ChillDoubt]

jomifl,
Using a whistle and giving an almost running commentary (telling players what to do and invariably not to) on occasion produces.......well, I don't need to go into details.

[paddywak]

I go the tissue route under normal circumstances,but when I worked on the coal face everybody chewed either tobacco, the filthiest habit ever, or gum and spitting was the norm to keep your mouth wet and the dust out of your throat.

[tamborine]

spitting can be due to liver damage & bile ducts. Cut alcohol & see a doc.

[mrs_overall]

It is a vile habit and spitters ought to be taken outside and shot.

Around here, we call their deposits "pavement oysters"

[angie55]

They call them Beijing oysters in China! Believe me they are everywhere, it's almost impossible to walk down the street without encountering one.