What is "spit-take"

n. (alternative spelling of spit take English)

A spit-take is a comic technique in which someone spits a beverage out of his or her mouth when he or she reacts to a statement. In this context, the word "take" is used in the sense of taking in information. It is similar in construction to the phrase " double-take."

Spit take made it into the Oxford Dictionary, not to be confused with the Oxford English Dictionary, in a 2014 update.

Danny Thomas sometimes is credited with popularizing its use in comedy. Albert Brooks' short film, The Famous Comedians School, features a workshop on spit takes.