spit-shine

[ spit-shahyn ]

noun

1. a shoeshine in which a fluid, such as water, saliva, or lighter fluid, is used to impart a high gloss.

verb (used with object)

, spit-shined, spit-shin·ing.

1. to give a spit-shine to.

Word History and Origins

Origin of spit-shine¹

First recorded in 1955–60