spitting

Everyday

1. Forcing saliva (spit) or food out of your mouth. tree →
2. (of rain, UK and Ireland) Raining very lightly: "It's only spitting." tree →
3. Making small hot bursts or sparks, like fat in a pan or a fire. tree →
4. (of an animal) Hissing angrily, like a cat. tree →
5. In "spitting image": looking exactly like someone. tree →
6. In "spitting distance": very close. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday and school rules spitting at people is rude and unhygienic, and spitting on the ground is often against the rules. Weather talk in the UK, Ireland and Australia uses "it's spitting" for a few drops. "Spitting mad" or "spitting feathers" means very angry. In stories a spitting fire or spitting cat sets an angry or lively mood.

Examples

• Spitting at someone is very rude. tree →
• It's just spitting, so we can still go to the park. tree →
• The sausages were spitting in the hot pan. tree →
• The angry cat was spitting and hissing. tree →
• You're the spitting image of your mum! tree →
• The beach is within spitting distance of our hotel. tree →
• The coach was spitting mad after the match. tree →
• Brush your teeth, then finish by spitting into the sink. tree →
• From that time forward the Smith gave up spitting at the Demon and striking him with his hammer. tree →

Note

Double t: spit → spitting. Past: spat (UK) or spit (US). "Spitting image" is a fixed phrase meaning an exact look-alike. Spitting near others spreads germs; a cobra called the spitting cobra really does spray venom.

In Jewish tradition

In Isaiah, being spat on is a sign of shame and insult, which the prophet's servant bears without turning away.

Interpretation. Tradition often reads this speaker as the prophet or as Israel itself, suffering insults patiently while trusting that God will help.

Examples

• I gave my back to the smiters, and my checks to them that plucked off the hair; I hid not my face from shame and spitting. (Prophets ISA.50.6, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Double t: spit → spitting. Past: spat (UK) or spit (US). "Spitting image" is a fixed phrase meaning an exact look-alike. Spitting near others spreads germs; a cobra called the spitting cobra really does spray venom.