Why are unwanted emails called spam?

Monty Python's
Flying Circus
was conceived, written
and performed by
Terry Jones
Michael Palin
John Cleese
Graham Chapman
Eric Idle
and Terry Gilliam


 
The origin of the noun 'spam' and its use with reference to the internet / web, and the origin of the verb 'spamming' with reference to junk emails. Why are these words used to describe unsolicited messages?
We all know what spam is. It's that tasty pork meat in a can made by Hormel (Geo. A. Hormel and Company) for cutting up and putting on your sandwiches. Oh, not that spam? Actually it's closer than you think.

Spam, as many internet users like you are unfortunately aware, is the name for the unwanted emails in your inbox.

So, why is it called spam?

In the early 90s, Usenet groups (online text discussion groups accessed by bulletin boards via Dos or Windows 3.1) started being invaded by unwanted messages from people selling things. 
The verb that came about to describe this action was 'spamming', which was created from the word 'spam' being used repetitively in a British TV series called Monty Python's Flying Circus in 1970!

So, even though you've probably never ever heard of Monty Python, or their completely mad humour (that regularly didn't have a punchline) their influence shaped the language of the internet.

The episodes of Monty Python can only be described as madcap. The sketch that created a new definition for the word 'spam' only went for a few minutes but contained the word spam over 130 times. Included within the sketch were Vikings singing the spam song, with the chorus "spam, spam, spam, spam.... lovely spaaaam, wonderful spaaaam". The cafe they were situated in had such menu treats as #7. Spam, bacon, sausage and spam and #8. Spam, egg, spam, spam, bacon and spam!

Thankfully the entire Monty Python's Flying Circus TV series can be bought online on DVD.

You can see the spam sketch in episode 25 (episode 12 of season 2) It was originally screened in Britain on December 15 1970

So what did the original makers of Spam (the pork variety) think of the spam sketch? Well, at their spam museum it is played regularly over and over. So, if you are ever in Austin, Minnesota, USA definitely go and visit!

Additional: In 2005 Eric Idle premiered a play on Broadway called Spamalot which builds on the spam sketch and was supported by Hormel with a special golden honey grail spam tin given to the first 100 people to buy tickets to see it.

But if you want to see or hear the Monty Python Spam sketch video now, here are some links of interest:
 

For Ipods
Monty Python Spam mp3
For PCs and Pocket PCs
Monty Python Spam wmv

Interestingly the Y generation seems not to be as affected by spam as older generations, mainly because they know what to do - avoid email. The echo boomers use instant messaging services such as Windows Live Messager, ICQ, Yahoo Messenger, Skype or SMS to avoid spam, rather than using email which apparently takes too long!

If you're a teacher, these articles can be used to help you create a discussion lesson. Get the students to read an article aloud then discuss some of the vocabulary, phrases, idioms and phrasal verbs used. Discuss the issues that the article has brought up.

If you're a student, any reading is good English practice for you. Read an article on a topic you like then research any vocabulary used. If you didn't agree with what the article says, you can write your own, refuting it!

If you're wanting to Become an English Language Conversation Tutor, you may be interested in the latest ebook from James here.

Have fun!

Google
 
Speakoz Discussion Forum
Online English discussion group
Japanese Language Exchange
Electronic Dictionaries
Online Store