I want my friend to step aside from wash basin so that I can spit after brushing. What is a decent word for spitting? Is there a better statement to ask him to step aside?
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8Spit is a decent word, nothing wrong with it. (Yes, in some cultures, the native idea of 'spitting' has seriously negative connotations, but that's not about the English word per se. )– KrisAug 28, 2014 at 6:32
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1You could be more specific by saying "spit out," instead.– KrisAug 28, 2014 at 6:35
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2I can't help wondering how you ask your friend (politely or otherwise) to move aside, while your mouth is full of toothpaste.– Simon BAug 28, 2014 at 12:08
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4If you have a mouthful of stuff to spit, you can't talk anyway. Shove him or her aside and spit.– OldcatAug 28, 2014 at 18:31
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3usually "mmm! mmm!" and pointing to your mouth gets the point across! :-) Seriously, if you can utter words with your mouth full of toothpaste, "excuse me a second" should work, no need to mention spitting - your roommate should get the context of your request.– Kristina LopezSep 4, 2014 at 18:11
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2 Answers
Well, it's kind of a mouthful to say, but the clinical term is expectorate (definition from Merriam-Webster).
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2That is an interesting term, but a bit unusual when brushing your teeth, I think :).– user66974Aug 28, 2014 at 5:39
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5To expectorate is not from the 'mouth' of spittle, but from the 'throat/ lungs,' esp., of phlegm or congestion.– KrisAug 28, 2014 at 6:30
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2Thanks John. The word made my friend step aside instantly. He asked the meaning later:)– SathishAug 28, 2014 at 9:39
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@Kris: Check the definition. Yes, the first sense listed is as you say, but the second one is spit. Also, see the definition for spit. It uses expectorate right in the definition. I'm not just talking from dictionary lookups. I've seen and heard the word used, and it is very often (in my experience, more than half the time) used to mean, precisely, spit.– John YAug 28, 2014 at 12:34
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John, see the OP's friend's reaction which tells all. Avoid that horror-of-horrors. Good Luck.– KrisAug 29, 2014 at 5:01
I think you can use the more neutral expression 'to rinse one's mouth'.
- Please step aside, I need to rinse my mouth!
To rinse:
- To wash lightly with water.
It may be common practice, but rinsing your mouth after brushing your teeth isn't a good idea.