Spittle vs. Spit — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 31, 2024
Spittle refers to saliva, especially when ejected from the mouth, while spit is the act of forcibly ejecting saliva or other substances from the mouth.
Difference Between Spittle and Spit
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Key Differences
Spittle is essentially saliva, particularly when it's outside the mouth or in the process of being ejected. It's often associated with small droplets or amounts of saliva, sometimes seen as frothy or bubbly, especially when someone speaks excitedly or during exertion. On the other hand, spit refers more to the action itself—when someone expels saliva, liquid, or sometimes even solid substances from their mouth. This action can be voluntary or involuntary, such as when spitting out something unpleasant or reflexively due to coughing.
While spittle is the substance, spit (as a noun) can also refer to the saliva or phlegm expelled from the mouth. However, spit (as a verb) focuses on the action. This distinction highlights the relationship between the two: spittle is what is produced, and to spit is the act that produces or expels it. In some contexts, "spit" is used informally to describe a quick, sometimes disrespectful act of ejecting saliva, whereas "spittle" can evoke a more neutral or even clinical tone, depending on the context.
Spittle can be discussed in various contexts, including medical, where it might refer to the saliva collected for diagnostic tests, or in descriptions of speech where someone's enthusiasm leads to small droplets of saliva being expelled. Conversely, spit, especially as a verb, is used in everyday language to describe the act of ejecting substances from the mouth, which can be considered rude or unsanitary in many cultures.
The production of spittle is a natural process, essential for oral health and digestion, starting the process of breaking down food with its enzymes. The act of spitting, however, has social and cultural dimensions, with varying degrees of acceptability depending on the context. For example, spitting in public places is frowned upon in many societies due to hygiene concerns, but in some sports or outdoor activities, it might be seen as more acceptable.
The difference between spittle and spit underscores the nuances in how we discuss bodily functions and social behavior. While both relate to saliva and its expulsion, their usage can convey different meanings or connotations, from the purely physiological to the behavioral or even cultural.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Saliva, especially when outside the mouth.
The act of ejecting saliva from the mouth; also refers to the expelled saliva.
Context
Often neutral or clinical, related to saliva itself.
Can be informal, focusing on the action or behavior.
Connotation
Neutral, relating to the substance.
Often negative, associated with an act considered rude or unsanitary.
Usage
Describing saliva, especially when visible or being expelled.
Describing the act of ejecting substances from the mouth; also the substance expelled.
Cultural Perception
Generally neutral, focusing on physiological aspects.
Varied, often negative due to hygiene and manners; acceptable in specific contexts.
Compare with Definitions
Spittle
Saliva outside the mouth.
The doctor asked for a sample of his spittle for the test.
Spit
To eject saliva from the mouth.
He spit out the bitter medicine.
Spittle
Saliva used in diagnostic tests.
The lab analyzed the spittle for signs of infection.
Spit
A reflex action to remove unwanted material.
He spit out the seed.
Spittle
Frothy saliva produced when speaking excitedly.
His spittle flew as he argued his point.
Spit
An act considered rude in many cultures.
Spitting in public is frowned upon here.
Spittle
Sometimes used to describe a small amount of liquid.
A spittle of water sprayed from the leak.
Spit
Expelling substances from the mouth.
She spit the water out in surprise.
Spittle
A neutral term for saliva.
The boxer wiped the spittle from his mouth.
Spit
Saliva that has been spit out.
The sidewalk was stained with spit.
Spittle
Spit; saliva.
Spit
Saliva, especially when expectorated; spittle.
Spittle
The frothy liquid secreted by the nymphs of froghoppers.
Spit
The act of expectorating.
Spittle
Spit, usually frothy and of a milky coloration.
Spit
Something, such as the frothy secretion of spittle bugs, that resembles spit.
Spittle
Something frothy and white that resembles spit.
Spit
A brief, scattered rainfall or snowfall.
Spittle
Spit-up or drool of an infant.
Spit
(Informal) The perfect likeness
He's the spit and image of his father.
Spittle
A small sort of spade.
Spit
A slender, pointed rod on which meat is impaled for roasting.
Spittle
To dig or stir with a small spade.
Spit
A narrow point of land extending into a body of water.
Spittle
See Spital.
Spit
To eject from the mouth
Spat out the grape seeds.
Spittle
A small sort of spade.
Spit
To eject as if from the mouth
A fire spitting sparks.
Spittle
The thick, moist matter which is secreted by the salivary glands; saliva; spit.
Spit
To emit suddenly and forcefully
Spat out an insult.
Spittle
To dig or stir with a small spade.
Spit
To eject matter from the mouth; expectorate.
Spittle
A clear liquid secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands and mucous glands of the mouth; moistens the mouth and starts the digestion of starches
Spit
To express contempt or animosity, especially by ejecting matter from the mouth.
Spit
To make a hissing or sputtering noise
French fries spitting in the pan.
Spit
To rain or snow in light, scattered drops or flakes.
Spit
To impale on or as if on a spit.
Spit
A thin metal or wooden rod on which meat is skewered for cooking, often over a fire.
Spit
A generally low, narrow, pointed, usually sandy peninsula.
Spit
(uncountable) Saliva, especially when expectorated.
There was spit all over the washbasin.
Spit
(countable) An instance of spitting; specifically, a light fall of rain or snow.
Spit
A person who exactly resembles someone else (usually in set phrases; see spitting image).
Spit
(uncountable) slam
Spit
The depth to which the blade of a spade goes into the soil when it is used for digging; a layer of soil of the depth of a spade's blade.
Spit
The amount of soil that a spade holds; a spadeful.
Spit
(transitive) To impale on a spit; to pierce with a sharp object.
To spit a loin of veal
Spit
(transitive) To use a spit to cook; to attend to food that is cooking on a spit.
She’s spitting the roast in the kitchen.
Spit
(ambitransitive) To evacuate (saliva or another substance) from the mouth, etc.
Spit
(ambitransitive) To emit or expel in a manner similar to evacuating saliva from the mouth.
A hot pan spitting droplets of fat
Spit
(impersonal) To rain or snow slightly.
Spit
(ambitransitive) To utter (something) violently.
Spit
(intransitive) To make a spitting sound, like an angry cat.
Spit
To rap, to utter.
Spit
(in the form spitting) To spit facts; to tell the truth.
He's spitting for sure.
Spit
To dig (something) using a spade; also, to turn (the soil) using a plough.
Spit
To plant (something) using a spade.
Spit
To dig, to spade.
Spit
A long, slender, pointed rod, usually of iron, for holding meat while roasting.
Spit
A small point of land running into the sea, or a long, narrow shoal extending from the shore into the sea; as, a spit of sand.
Spit
The depth to which a spade goes in digging; a spade; a spadeful.
Spit
The secretion formed by the glands of the mouth; spitle; saliva; sputum.
Spit
To thrust a spit through; to fix upon a spit; hence, to thrust through or impale; as, to spit a loin of veal.
Spit
To spade; to dig.
Spit
To attend to a spit; to use a spit.
She's spitting in the kitchen.
Spit
To eject from the mouth; to throw out, as saliva or other matter, from the mouth.
Spit
To eject; to throw out; to belch.
Spit
To throw out saliva from the mouth.
Spit
To rain or snow slightly, or with sprinkles.
It had been spitting with rain.
Spit
A narrow strip of land that juts out into the sea
Spit
A clear liquid secreted into the mouth by the salivary glands and mucous glands of the mouth; moistens the mouth and starts the digestion of starches
Spit
A skewer for holding meat over a fire
Spit
The act of spitting (forcefully expelling saliva)
Spit
Expel or eject (saliva or phlegm or sputum) from the mouth;
The father of the victim spat at the alleged murderer
Spit
Utter with anger or contempt
Spit
Rain gently;
It has only sprinkled, but the roads are slick
Spit
Drive a skewer through;
Skewer the meat for the BBQ
Common Curiosities
Is it ever acceptable to spit in public?
Cultural norms vary, but in many places, spitting in public is considered unsanitary and rude.
Is spitting a voluntary or involuntary action?
Spitting can be both: voluntary as an intentional act or involuntary as a reflex to expel unwanted substances.
Can spittle be used for medical tests?
Yes, spittle can be collected for various diagnostic tests, including those for infections and genetic conditions.
Why is spitting considered unsanitary?
Spit can carry germs and viruses, making the act of spitting in public places a concern for hygiene and public health.
Are there any benefits to spitting?
In some contexts, like sports, spitting may help clear the mouth of phlegm or dryness, aiding comfort and breathing.
How is spitting treated in different cultures?
Cultural attitudes toward spitting vary widely, with some societies finding it more acceptable than others, especially in the context of outdoor activities or traditional practices.
What is the main difference between spittle and spit?
Spittle refers to saliva, especially outside the mouth, while spit can refer to both the action of ejecting saliva and the saliva that has been ejected.
Why do people spit during sports or outdoor activities?
Spitting can be a way to expel dust or phlegm, especially during physical exertion, and may be more socially acceptable in these contexts.
How is spittle viewed differently from spit?
Spittle is generally seen in a more neutral or clinical light, focusing on the saliva itself, while spit often carries negative connotations related to the act of spitting.
Can spitting be a sign of disrespect?
Yes, in many cultures, spitting is seen as a sign of disrespect or disdain.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
