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Spitting, a comedic technique where a performer spits their drink in reaction to shocking news, is an old comedy device used in physical comedy and clown performances. It should be used sparingly and timed perfectly for comedic effect. The reaction should appear spontaneous and convey complete shock.
A man is sitting at the breakfast table reading the newspaper and sipping a cup of coffee. As he takes a big drink, his wife tells him she’s pregnant. The man promptly spits his gulp of coffee into a giant spray, then splutters an exasperated “WHAT?!”. In show business, this would be called spitting, a comedic technique in which one performer deliberately spits his or her drink in reaction to shocking news delivered by another performer. When timed perfectly, a spit shot lets the audience know exactly how shocked the spitter really is.
In terms of physical comedy, the technique is a very old comedy device. Although captions may leave out the notation for a spit, it is a popular improvisational device whenever a performer wants to exaggerate his reaction for comedic effect. A strong reaction to unexpected or shocking dialogue is known in the entertainment world as a grab. A performer may look twice at another character, for example, in a reaction known as a double take. The spit shot would be another example of a comic shot that an artist might use during a scene or sketch.
The technique is especially popular during clown performances, where a clown might take a large drink of water and wait for another performer to hit him unexpectedly. The result would be a large jet of water, which could hit yet another clown and generate even more laughter. This type of physical spitting would be more of a slapstick reaction rather than caused by abrupt or shocking dialogue.
There is also the recognition shock associated with the technique. Many people have experienced moments in their real lives where they reacted instantly to shocking news while eating or drinking. However, a spit in the real world isn’t always the most pleasant experience, as food can fly in all directions and drinks can find their way into a person’s nose. This is why real-life bearers of shocking news need to make sure that the recipient is unable to perform a spit.
Artists generally temporize the technique so that it appears spontaneous and genuine. The reaction should not be telegraphed to the public before the activation line is delivered. A good shot of the spitter should convey complete and utter shock from the spitter, as ultimately it’s their entire reaction that sells the moment to the audience. Because it can be a very messy affair, it should be used sparingly but effectively during a stage performance.
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