spitball

American  

[spit-bawl] / ˈspɪtˌbɔl /

noun

1. a small ball or lump of chewed paper used as a missile.

2. 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

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verb (used with or without object)

1. 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.

Etymology

Origin of spitball

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

Example Sentences

By his own admission, it was a bold, brash and possibly stupid move for someone who barely knew the difference between a spitball and a spitwad.

From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 29, 2024

Put down some of each on paper and spitball some numbers so you know what you’re working toward.

From Slate • May 6, 2024

What they’ve done, figuratively, is throw a spitball at the teacher and put their heads down before he can turn around.

From Washington Times • Dec. 7, 2023

Though his version of the spitball — more of a slobber ball — can be a bit overwhelming.

From Seattle Times • Aug. 6, 2022

The minute I shot that spitball in the cafeteria, I could feel Zach noticing me.

From "Schooled" by Gordon Korman

Related Words

• breed
• come up with
• conceive
• concoct
• devise
• dream up
• formulate
• incubate
• invent
• originate
• spawn