Egging

Egging refers to the act of throwing eggs at houses, cars, or people. Egging is a form of criminal offense in most areas.

Eggs are capable of causing damage when thrown at property and egging is usually considered vandalism for this reason. Egg can break windows and when thrown at cars, for instance, they frequently chip the paint when the shell breaks leaving an oval outline. Additionally, egg whites can degrade certain types of vehicle and house paint. The victim may be entitled to compensation commensurate with the cost of repairs and egging can quickly become an expensive legal situation if one is prosecuted.

Eggs are sometimes thrown at people as a form of protest as they are inexpensive and nonlethal yet at the same time very messy when broken. Welsh politician John Prescott was egged by a rural protester in 2001, which sparked controversy when he retaliated with a punch. Other high-profile people that have been egged as a form of protest include Steve Balmer and Arnold Schwarzenegger. Eggs can cause serious eye injury and may in some districts constitute assault and battery.

Egging is sometimes associated with certain events and holidays. In the United States on Halloween, for example, trick-or-treaters have been known to throw eggs (and sometimes flour) at property or people from whom they received nothing.

See also

• Mischief night
• Trick-or-treating
• Toilet papering