Somebody asked me today, “Why is spam called spam?”
Of course she was asking about junk email. I started to explain exactly why it’s called spam, I opened my mouth, and suddenly realized… I have no idea why it’s called spam! I knew it had something to do with the canned meat, duh. But why? How can I be a self respecting computer geek and not know the answer to this question! So, I had to know.
Here is what I found:
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!”.
Spam Spam Spam Spam - Spam Spam Spam Spam.