Why do men spit?
The other day while at a stop light with my car windows rolled down a pick up truck pulled up next to me. I noticed he also had his windows down so I turned my head toward him and nodded a friendly hello. He looked at me, smiled and spit. Let me clarify, he didn’t spit at me he aimed his spit at the ground. I thought to myself, why is it that men spit and women don’t. I didn’t have anything in my throat or did I? Is there something biologically different about us, other than the obvious?
So, I decided to do some research on the topic and it seems as though Sally Trove had the same quandary about this topic as I. Sally has found that this act of spitting has been going on with the male species for thousands of years and has many meanings. Who knew that spitting was something of a rite of passage?
Males use spitting as a way to mark their territory, to rid themselves of a bad feeling; some even think it looks cool. Those that are superstitious and wake up with a bad dream believe they need to spit 3 times to push away the evil demons.
Armed with this information and having 3 grandchildren that are all boys I decided to teach them how to spit, in a nice way of course, with watermelon seeds. I had no idea that spitting was so hard. By the time we finished eating the watermelon, my grandsons ages 7, 4 and 3 were significantly better at spitting than I was. I attempted to instill in my grandsons that this is not something that is done in public. Girls do not find this cool and if you feel a need to spit then take it inside to the restroom.
For those of you that want to do your own research the next time you find yourself having a picnic be sure to serve watermelon and make a target, get everyone involved, have a few laughs, do your own research, team up the girls against the boys. And while you’re having a watermelon seed spitting contest it would be a great opportunity to talk about spitting and keeping it to yourself. I think this could be a science project or a thesis. Maybe I’m on to something.
All in all it makes me think twice about walking anywhere barefoot.
Tags: Spitting
Hi, my name is Merry Lynch. I'm a certified American Business Etiquette Trainer. I know, I know, what does that mean? Well, in simple terms, etiquette, poise and leadership help you build relationships and make those around you more comfortable, in turn making you more successful. And no, it's not boring. Become your personal best and work with your team or company to become its personal best. So breathe, relax and be ready to play with some of the ideas that I will share. We'll have some fun along the way and I'll see you at the top.
Yuck… Spitting is simply disgusting, whether it is watermelon seeds or sunflower morsel shells or FLEGhM… GROSS.. Guys do think it is their “thing” and amongst the boys they can do it all they want to.. I’m with you though Merry, no walking barefoot and did you ever walk passed someone who actually just spit to their left or their right yet still sort of in front of you…..???
I am a New Yorker so I always have to vocalize something…. this behavior has to be reprimanded in my land of do’s and dont’s , so when I say, “that was gross” or “echhhhhh” they don’t even think I’m talking to them they are so oblivious…
I’m glad the spitters can know how I feel on my friend Merry’s platform!
I never though in a million years I’d ever have a new perspective at spitting, lol! It’s incredible to take something so ordinary, and discover such an interesting background. Thank you Merry!