“Spam” (like pork) is commonly understood as unsolicited electronic messages, typically commercial in nature, received without the recipient’s consent. Our article on addressing this issue, including the possibility of financial compensation, can be found here: dedicated article. This discussion will focus on the word’s origins.
Early Origins: A Failed Marketing Campaign for Pork
The Origin of “Spam”: From Meat to Metaphor
In 1937, Hormel Foods launched “Spam.” It was a spiced pork product. The campaign failed. “Spam” became code for undesirable canned meat.
1970s: Monty Python’s “Flying Circus” Revives the Failed Product – with a Twist
The creators of the iconic British comedy series, “Monty Python’s Flying Circus” (late 1960s-1980s), repurposed “Spam.” In a 1970s skit, a restaurant scene features a waitress repeatedly mentioning “Spam” in response to menu inquiries, eventually replacing nearly all menu items with the word. The repetitive and incessant nature of the “Spam” references, coupled with a Viking chorus singing “Spam,” highlighted its unwanted and intrusive nature. This skit’s widespread viewership embedded “spam” in British culture, obscuring its connection to Hormel.
1990s: “Spam” Becomes Unsolicited Email
From Canned Meat to Digital Annoyance: The Evolution of “Spam”
Computer users adopted “spam” metaphorically. It described unwanted information. By early 1990s, “spam” meant unsolicited email.
Distinguishing “Spam”: Product vs. Digital Junk
SPAM, capitalized, denotes Hormel’s product. Lowercase “spam” refers to electronic messages.
Therefore, when using the term in English, correct spelling is essential to avoid unintended legal implications.
