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?

[boxtops]

We are told not to do that either, alebert, it's full of nasty germy stuff, that's why it's superfluous to requirements.

[Sqad]

Alebert..............YES!

[boxtops]

If there is one thing that makes me want to vomit, it's other people's phlegm. When I worked in the hospice, the nurses often had to take samples of it for analysis. The memory of the sight of it makes me heave still.

[Mamyalynne]

Spit or swallow....a lifelong question.


Tissue or tummy yes Alebert.

[pixie373]

It has that effect on me too, boxy. If people can't cope with their own, why do they expect others to?

[Mamyalynne]

My Mother's Doctor was like that, I had to collect the sputum samples and wrap in a bag so he couldn't see the pot - he shuddered as he took them from me.

[Brenden]

I was always led to believe that spitting in the street can pass on TB is this true.

[Mamyalynne]

Off topic, but still not nice.

[Sqad]

Brenden..........very , very unlikely.

[pixie373]

I doubt it, brenden.
Nothing like as revolting, alebert.

[tamborine]

urine is an antiseptic, spit is not

[ChillDoubt]

My deposit at the side of a rugby field is biodegradable.

A cigarette filter/dog end is not.

[Mamyalynne]

Spitting that caused it.

[Mamyalynne]

That is what portable ashtrays are for - maybe portable spitoons are needed?

[ChillDoubt]

Never seen anyone use a portable ashtray in the street!

[pixie373]

Vomit is horrible- but involuntary.