Friday, February 13, 1998
Loogies not just spittle, but signs of masculinity
By Michelle Navarro
Daily Bruin Staff
It begins with a few contractions from the throat. Then some
crude noises are made and finally comes the projection of the spit
wad or, more affectionately, the loogie. Even Leonardo teaches Kate
Winslet the art of it in "Titanic." It’s understandable that
spitting is biological, but why must students make such a big
presentation of "hawking a loogie"? What’s wrong with using a
tissue or discreetly depositing it in the garbage can? Why must it
make so much noise and end up in puddles around campus that other
students have to dodge?
"We try to show masculinity by the louder (sound) we make. Just
like monkeys and lions make a lot of noise to show manship, we do
it to show our manness. It is like a raw, brute strength thing that
will make (anyone) feel like a giant."
Chava Davila
Third-year
Math
"I think that’s half the appeal. It’s nasty, but it’s kind of
like a necessity. It’s a feeling you just have to get rid of. But
you have to have tact."
Pierce Bilyeu
Second-year
Economics
"It’s a ritual thing. It’s a proof of manhood; the farther you
spit the more of a man you are. It’s better if it’s in a clump and
not all drippy."
Eddie Ma
Fourth-year
Cell molecular biology
"It’s a thing you do as a kid. You just hawk it, have spitting
contests. You do it because it’s something you can’t get rid
of."
John Rodriguez
Fourth-year
Math
"Sometimes it just happens. You mean to spit on the ground, but
it goes farther."
David Lam
Second-year
Business-economics
"It feels better when it’s in one piece instead of spray. It’s
not for show; we understand girls don’t like it. When I’m with my
girlfriend I point the other way so she’ll look, and then I’ll do
it."
Eddie Suh
Fourth-year
Mechanical engineering
"Because it’s easier. The whole thing that goes into it is not
for show … as much as for not getting it on yourself."
Adam Wolfson
First-year
Communication studies