spit take

Comedic spray reaction

A spit take is a comedic reaction where someone sprays liquid from their mouth upon hearing surprising or outrageous news.

The performer takes a drink, receives shocking information, and dramatically expels the liquid.

Originally a vaudeville and film gag, it now describes any exaggerated expression of disbelief: The budget numbers made me do a spit take.

mess

spray

Dispersed liquid droplets

spillage · soaked · wet · splash · drench · squirt · projectile · eject · expel · shower

reaction

reflex

Involuntary stimulus response

gasp · splutter · cough · gag · startle · flinch · jolt · convulse · uncontrollable · spontaneous

surprise

shock

Violent sudden disturbance

gobsmacked · stunned · dumbfounded · thunderstruck · incredulous · startled · blindsided · bombshell · revelation · unexpected

comedy

slapstick

Exaggerated physical humor

reaction · pratfall · shtick · bit · setup · payoff · deadpan · comic · farce · buffoonery

Categories
Opposites
comedic reaction intensity

spit takedeadpan

Expressionless, especially for humor

straight face · poker face · blank stare · nonreaction · unmoved

emotional register of response

spit takesolemn

Serious and dignified

grave · serious · somber · stoic · mournful

physical expressiveness

spit takecomposure

Emotional self-control

poise · self-control · restraint · stiff upper lip · equanimity

Family

spit, take, spits, spitting, spat, takes, taking, taken, taker

Familiarity
Top 200,000
Profile
Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Positive · Everyday, not technical · Rated G