What does SPAM stand for? (2024)

The etymology of the word spam is fascinating. When we speak of spam in reference to unsolicited commercial email (commonly abbreviated to UCE) the acronym S-P-A-M does not stand for anything to do with messaging or email.

The word spam actually has its roots in a rather disgusting luncheon meat – the lead product for American food company Hormel Foods – and early computer geeks’ love of surreal British comedy hit Monty Python’s Flying Circus.

The "meat"


The first can of Spam luncheon meat was produced in 1937 and it quickly became the USA’s biggest seller. When America entered World War II, so did Spam. Allied troops in Europe were given 15 million cans of Spam each week to keep them nourished. And the luncheon meat was subsequently praised by both Dwight Eisenhower and Margaret Thatcher for its role in the allied victory.

What does SPAM stand for? (1)There is a full history of Spam’s wartime involvement on Hormel Foods website.

So where did ‘Spam’ come from? Its origin has been heavily debated. The name Spam was derived from a contraction of ‘spiced ham’. The original variety of Spam is still available today, acknowledged as the ‘spiced hammiest’ of them all.

During WWII and beyond, the meat colloquially became known in the UK as an acronym that stood for Special Processed American Meat.

Whilst it may have been a saviour in wartime, the taste of the luncheon meat leaves a lot to be desired, according to food critics.

The Python's Spam


If you haven’t checked out Monty Python before, you are in for a treat.

The hilarious Monty Python "Spam" sketch is set in a greasy spoon cafe with a menu in which every single dish features spam (some with an extra side of spam). As the scene unfolds, you can see why this sketch is a great analogy for unsolicited and unwanted email.

Monty Python Spam from Henry Hui Hui on Vimeo.

How did "Spam" become spam?


Using spam to describe unsolicited email started in 1994. A mercenary programmer created a simple script which posted the same message from the now infamous lawyers Canter and Siegel to every single message board on USENET, the world's largest online conferencing system.

The computer geeks on the conference system – who clearly were big fans of Monty Python – identified the mass mailing as spam and the name caught on. To this day, the term spam refers to the unsolicited junk emails which are sent to the masses. It's estimated that up to 85% of all sent emails are spam, and they're typically used for commercial purposes - advertising a business, or providing a special offer.

If you're still hungry for more, check out the complete history of spam.

What does SPAM stand for? (2)

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What does SPAM stand for? (3)

What does SPAM stand for? (2024)

FAQs

What does SPAM stand for? ›

What do the letters in spam stand for? Some say SPAM stands for Specially Processed American Meat, others believe it is a portmanteau for spiced ham, while others say it stands for Shoulder of Pork and Ham. As it relates to email, spam is not an acronym.

What does SPAM actually stand for? ›

They mentioned that SPAM stands for "Specially Processed American Meat". To the residents of the UK during the war, I reckon that's what SPAM meant to them, which is a very accurate description, and there's nothing wrong with that.

What is SPAM and why is it called SPAM? ›

Email spam, also referred to as junk email, spam mail, or simply spam, is unsolicited messages sent in bulk by email (spamming). The name comes from a Monty Python sketch in which the name of the canned pork product Spam is ubiquitous, unavoidable, and repetitive.

How did SPAM meat get its name? ›

Ken Daigneau, the brother of a company executive, won a $100 prize that year in a competition to name the new item. Hormel states that the meaning of the name "is known by only a small circle of former Hormel Foods executives," but a popular belief is that the name is a contraction of "spiced ham".

What is the meaning of SPAM? ›

ˈspam. : unsolicited usually commercial messages (such as emails, text messages, or Internet postings) sent to a large number of recipients or posted in a large number of places.

What state eats the most spam? ›

Hawai'i residents eat 7 million cans of Spam per year, making it the state with the highest number of consumers per capita in the nation, according to Spam's numbers. That's five cans per person a year, but experts warn that overconsumption could have negative health consequences. Spam comes in all forms of delicacies.

Can you eat spam out of the can? ›

Because Spam is already cooked, it can be eaten straight from the can and requires minimal preparation prior to eating. It's also highly versatile and can be added to a wide variety of recipes. Some of the most popular ways to enjoy Spam include adding it to sliders, sandwiches, pasta dishes and rice.

What part of the pig is Spam? ›

What sets SPAM® apart from other products that are made from chopped meats that are cooked and pressed together (we're thinking about scrapple): Spam is made from pork shoulder and pork ham, with no other scraps from the hog. Pork shoulder is considered a high-quality cut of pork today, although in 1937, it was not.

Why is Spam so popular in Hawaii? ›

The true root of the island's love for SPAM® products goes back to World War II, when the luncheon meat was served to GIs. By the end of the war, SPAM® products were adopted into local culture, with Fried SPAM® Classic and rice becoming a popular meal.

Why was Spam so popular in WWII? ›

Because it was so easy to transport in large quantities, and had a long shelf life, tons of it—ultimately more than 150 million pounds—accompanied them. Though the services purchased luncheon meats made by other companies, all looked alike. As Spam was the most famous of them, all such meats came to be called Spam.

Why is spam harmful? ›

Spam email can be dangerous. It can include malicious links that can infect your computer with malware (see What is malware?). Do not click links in spam. Dangerous spam emails often sound urgent, so you feel the need to act.

What does spam taste like? ›

Spam is truly delicious. It's salty and a little spicy with a flavor most similar to ham and a texture close to bologna.

What is spam Why is it harmful? ›

Spam is any unsolicited communication sent in bulk. Usually sent via email, spam is also distributed through text messages (SMS), social media, or phone calls. Spam messages often come in the form of harmless (though annoying) promotional emails. But sometimes spam is a fraudulent or malicious scam.

Is spam good or bad for you? ›

Spam is a type of processed meat, a category that also includes things like cured sausages, hams, and hot dogs. Processed meats like these have been linked to a higher risk of some health issues, including high blood pressure, something studies seem to indicate may be linked to their high sodium content.

Why spam should be banned? ›

Day to day, spam is annoying. However, when you look at the bigger picture, it's a significant problem: Spread across the global workforce, spam constitutes a considerate amount of lost productivity. Spam is a huge security and data privacy risk.

What is the difference between junk and spam? ›

Junk mail is unwelcome post addressed to you that drops through your front door. It's often regarded as having little value. 'Spam' is the common name for unrequested and unwanted email.

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