Toxic Language in the Workplace

In some work environments, statements and behaviors creep in that may seem harmless at first glance but actually cause deep damage to the culture. A striking example is the phrase: "Everyone spits on him/her." Although often said behind someone's back, its impact is far from invisible. It is a powerful signal of a workplace where respect, openness, and integrity are lacking.

🔨 The Power of Words: Spitting as Social Exclusion
The phrase "to spit on someone" is not just ordinary gossip. It is a dehumanizing metaphor that signifies total rejection and contempt. Literally, spitting is one of the most humiliating acts a person can endure. Figuratively, it means that someone is no longer seen as a full member of the group — but as an object of disdain.

This language is hostile and destructive. It creates an atmosphere where people are humiliated and excluded behind the scenes, while outwardly maintaining a façade of politeness. The result? Distrust, division, and an erosion of the psychological safety essential for healthy collaboration.

📜 Historical and Cultural Roots
Spitting as an act of humiliation has a long history:

• In public punishments in earlier societies, condemned individuals were spat upon by bystanders as a ritual of rejection.

• In religious contexts, such as Christianity, Jesus was spat upon by soldiers as a sign of mockery and betrayal.

• In figurative language, expressions like "to spit one's venom" denote the expression of anger or frustration — but even here, the connotation is aggressive.

These historical examples show that spitting has always been connected to humiliation, exclusion, and emotional aggression.

🧠 Psychological Impact in the Workplace
When such statements are used in a professional context, it is a red flag. It points to:

• Double communication: friendly to the face, hostile behind the back.

• Groupthink: the idea that "everyone" rejects someone reinforces social pressure and normalizes exclusion.

• Emotional insecurity: the person involved does not know what is being said about them, leading to uncertainty, isolation, and fear.

Intellectually and empathically aware people instinctively avoid such language. They understand that words do not merely describe but also shape reality. Language like this normalizes social exclusion and makes it difficult to build a culture of trust and respect.

🎯 The Link with the "Pie-Throwing" Incident Involving Pim Fortuyn
This dynamic recalls the infamous pie-throwing incident in 2002, when Pim Fortuyn was attacked with a pie by activists. While some labeled it a "playful act," the symbolism was crystal clear: public humiliation as a form of rejection.

Just like the phrase "everyone spits on him," it was not about physical harm but breaking dignity. The act was a ritual of social exclusion, disguised as humor but loaded with contempt. Fortuyn himself called it an assault on his integrity — and rightly so.

Both examples show how symbolic aggression — verbal or visual — is used to marginalize people. They illustrate how a façade of playfulness or groupthink can serve as a cover for deep-seated rejection.

🚨 What This Says About Organizational Culture
If statements like "everyone spits on him" quietly circulate without intervention, it signals that the organizational culture is structurally toxic. It means that:

• Respect and transparency are lacking.

• There is no room for honest feedback or open dialogue.

• Social safety is undermined by gossip and dehumanization.

This kind of behavior demands vigilance and action. Leaders, HR professionals, and team members must be aware of the power of language and the damage it can cause. As long as this dynamic persists, the workplace remains unsafe — not just for the victim, but for everyone involved.