Spit-take

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A spit-take is a comedic technique in which someone spits a beverage out of their mouth when they react to a statement during a take.

Example: Two characters sit at a table. Character #1 has a cup of coffee in hand.

Character 1: Did they ever find that missing toxic sludge?
Character 2: Yes.
(Character 1 sips coffee.)
Character 2: Someone poured it into the coffee urn.
(Character 1 spits the coffee all over the table)

In a spit-take, the reaction is usually one of surprise. The "spit" action is overly dramatized; performers will add lots of noise and spray liquid from his/her mouth in an exaggerated fashion.

Danny Thomas is sometimes credited with popularizing its use in comedy.[1]


  1. ^ http://eddriscoll.com/archives/008279.php