spit in someone's face

In real, traceable use. Part of the curated seed collection; community review is coming.

Meaning · English

To disrespect someone; to disdain or denigrate one's worth or dignity; to betray.

Register: derogatory, slang

Where it’s used: Used American English

Examples

You tried to spit in the eye of a dead man's face Attacked the ways of a man not yet in his grave But your hate was over all too soon Because nothing is over And nothing's through 'til we bury you

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-07-30 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “spit in someone's face” mean?

To disrespect someone; to disdain or denigrate one's worth or dignity; to betray.

Is “spit in someone's face” formal or informal?

spit in someone's face is generally derogatory, slang.