spat

Everyday

1. Spat is the past form of «spit»: to force liquid, food or saliva out of your mouth. tree →
2. A spat is a short, small argument or quarrel. tree →
3. Spats (old-fashioned) are cloth covers worn over the top of shoes. tree →

In the lessons

In manners and hygiene lessons spitting is rude and spreads germs. In stories a character «spat out» angry words. In everyday life children have small spats with friends that are soon over. Phrases: «spat it out», «spat at», «a spat with a friend».

Examples

• He spat out the sour sweet. tree →
• The llama spat at the visitor! tree →
• The cat hissed and spat. tree →
• «Go away!» she spat angrily. tree →
• My sister and I had a spat over the TV remote. tree →
• The fire spat sparks onto the rug. tree →
• In revenge the Serpent spat some of his poison into the man's drinking-horn. tree →

Note

Past of «spit»: «spat» (UK and US) or «spit» (also in the US). Spitting at people is very rude and can spread illness. «Spitting image» means looking exactly alike.