Conspue

/kənˈspjuː/ verb

Definition

To spit upon; to treat with contempt or scorn; an archaic term for showing extreme disrespect.

Etymology

From Latin 'conspuere' (to spit upon), from 'com-' (together) + 'spuere' (to spit). An extremely archaic English word rarely used after the 17th century.

Kelly Says

This is one of English's most satisfyingly visceral insults—the very sound mirrors the action, and it disappeared from polite usage exactly when people stopped thinking about spitting as the ultimate disrespect.

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