Spam is not an acronym for a computer threat, although some have been proposed (stupid pointless annoying malware, for instance). The inspiration for using the term “spam” to describe mass unwanted messages is a Monty Python skit in which the actors declare that everyone must eat the food Spam, whether they want it or not. Similarly, everyone with an email address must unfortunately be bothered by spam messages, whether we like it or not.
If you’re interested in the origins of spam in greater detail, see the history of spam section below.
If you’re interested in the origins of spam in greater detail, see the history of spam section below.