View synonyms for spitball

spitball

[ spit-bawl ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a small ball or lump of chewed paper used as a missile.
Also called spitter. Baseball. a pitch, illegal since 1920, made to curve by moistening one side of the ball with saliva or other slippery substance, as perspiration or petroleum jelly

Informal. to throw out new ideas by engaging in spontaneous and unfiltered brainstorming: Now that the film is in production, it’s too late to spitball an alternate ending.
I’m just spitballing here, but I think we should ask the interns to test the product at home.
Now that the film is in production, it’s too late to spitball an alternate ending.

An Americanism dating back to 1840–50; spit ¹ + ball ¹

Then take a wrapped straw, unwrap it, tear off a little piece of paper and make a spitball.

Where was the outrage when Gaylord Perry, whose best pitch was an illegal spitball, was still elected to the Hall of Fame?

But the very first "spitball" which spattered upon the blackboard proved a disastrous missile for its thrower.

Hooper was a spitball artist, and his moist slants kept the Giants guessing in the early part of the game.

He had never cared for the spitball, as he knew that sooner or later it destroyed a pitchers effectiveness.

There are also other modifications called "the fade away," "the spitball," and others.

I thought I could go through the motion of throwing a spitball without letting it go.

April 18, 2024petrichor

[pet-ri-kawr]

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