Spam - but why?

[stargalaxy]

We all know as users of these boards what spam is. No, not the horrible stuff in the tins but rather unsolicited pieces of advertising. Does anyone know why we call it spam?

[JsT]

Spam was originally a type of canned luncheon meat which dates back to the Second World War. The name "SPAM" is derived from "Spiced Ham". Then Monty Python's Flying Circus did a sketch in which someone was trying to order a meal and the cafe menu had SPAM with everything. "But I don't like spam!" protested the customer. But still they were excepted to have it. Meanwhile in the background a chorus of Vikings sang a merry song extolling Spam, with lyrics that go something like "Spam! Spam! Spam! Spam! , Spam! Spam! Spam! Spam! , Wonderful Spam!". As the singing covered all other communication within the resteraunt, unsolicited email is seen as drowning out all other communication, it made sense to call it spam (with a lowercase "s" to differentiate it from the Hormel meat product)

[stargalaxy]

Ah, thank you for the explanation! :D

[Senor Miguel]

i don't know which type of spam is worse, ughh....