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August 1998, Week 2

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Subject:
Off topic: source of SPAM, the word
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Date:
Tue, 11 Aug 1998 08:44:24 -0400
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> Can someone explain the origin or etymology of the word "spam" with the
> meaning of "unwanted or unsollicited electronic mail"? Is it an acronym? Is
> it an adaption of the food "spam" that itself may be an acronym? Urban
> legends NEED apply.
>
> Thanks.
>
> Leonard S. Berkowitz
> Tufts Health Plan - Waltham Ma. 02154
>

The Net Abuse FAQ offers its explanation of the origin at

< http://www.cybernothing.org/faqs/net-abuse-faq.html#2.4 >

Of course, it mentions the infamous Monty Python spam-loving Vikings sketch,
a transcription of which can be found at

< http://www.xs4all.nl/~bigmac/python/spam.txt >

Steve Fulton
The NPD Group Canada, Inc.

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