spittoon

/spi'tu:n/

Thân thiện

A man uses a brass spittoon in an old-fashioned barbershop.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A receptacle for spit: A container, typically made of metal or ceramic, designed for people to spit into, especially tobacco juice. Historically, these were commonly found in public places like bars, saloons, and other establishments.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • The old bar had a brass spittoon near the door for the tobacco-chewing patrons.
  • In the 19th century, a spittoon was a common fixture in many public buildings.

Advanced Usage

• Cultural/Historical Context: The spittoon is primarily associated with a past era, particularly the 19th and early 20th centuries, when chewing tobacco was more widespread. Its presence signified social norms and public health concerns of the time.
• As a Collectible: Antique spittoons are now often collected as historical artifacts or decorative items.

Variants and Related Words

• Cuspidor: (n) A synonym for spittoon, often used in more formal or medical contexts.
  • The dentist's office had a cuspidor for patients to use.

Synonyms

• Cuspidor: A receptacle for spit.
• Salivarium: A very formal or technical term for a spittoon.

Related Phrases

• "To hit the spittoon": An informal, historical phrase meaning to successfully spit into the spittoon, often used in the context of a skill or challenge.
  • In the old saloon games, men would compete to see who could hit the spittoon from the farthest distance.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a receptacle for spit (usually in a public place)

Từ đồng nghĩa

• cuspidor