Spitball

Spitball is an informal term referring to a brainstorming technique or an initial, rough idea. It can also refer to a type of baseball pitch.

As a Brainstorming Technique:

In the context of brainstorming, "spitballing" involves the rapid generation of ideas without immediate critical evaluation. The goal is to create a large pool of potential solutions or approaches, even if many are impractical or unconventional. Participants are encouraged to contribute freely and build upon each other's suggestions. The term implies a casual and spontaneous atmosphere where ideas are tossed out quickly, like "spitballs." This initial phase is often followed by a more structured evaluation and refinement process to identify the most promising concepts.

As a Baseball Pitch:

Historically, a "spitball" was an illegal baseball pitch achieved by applying saliva or another foreign substance to the ball before throwing it. This altered the ball's aerodynamics, causing it to move erratically and making it difficult for the batter to hit. Due to the potential for unfair advantage and concerns about unsanitary conditions, the spitball was banned by Major League Baseball in 1920, though a few pitchers were permitted to continue using it for a transitional period. The term is now primarily used in a historical context within baseball.