Spitting

Spitting is the act of forcibly ejecting saliva or other substances from the mouth.

It is currently considered rude and a social taboo in many parts of the world including the West, while in some other parts of the world it is considered more socially acceptable. It is commonly believed that it is possible to transmit infectious diseases in this way, including tuberculosis, influenza, and the common cold but the epidemiological evidence that this is the case is not present and it is likely that this belief, although intuitive, is not reflective of meaningful risk.

Spitting upon another person, especially onto the face, is a universal sign of anger, hatred, disrespect or contempt. It can represent a "symbolical regurgitation" or an act of intentional contamination.

In some Asian cultures, it is believed that spitting in public is bad luck, because one may unknowingly spit on invisible spirits who take this as an act of great disrespect and will then curse the spitter. Spitting of saliva or of the red coloured 'paan' witnessed in some parts of rural India is also believed to be a major health hazard as it is commonly believed to transmit airborne diseases like tuberculosis, and is hence frowned upon.