SPAM
What Does SPAM Mean in a Text?
SPAM means "unsolicited messages," "game play or activities detrimental to the game," and "Spiced Ham" (or "Special Processed American Meat"). Here is more information about each of these definitions with examples.Unsolicited Messages
SPAM is widely used as a slang word to refer to unsolicited messages. SPAM messages are usually sent for commercial purposes or to facilitate fraud, such as PHISHING. SPAM comes in many forms, including text messages, emails, posts in blogs and chat forums, and even in comments or "likes" on social-media posts.Here is an example of SPAM used in a conversation:
- Toni: You've got over 100 unread emails!
- Jordan: Yeah, I've stopped reading my emails. They're 99% SPAM now.
Gameplay or Activities Detrimental to the Game
In gaming, SPAM also refers to an unskilled form of play, in which the player keeps their finger on the trigger and achieves kills by spraying bullets rather than through skill. Such activities are considered detrimental to the game. For example:- Sam: Stop constantly blasting away at everything! That's SPAM, and it's really annoying.
- Jo: You're just a sore loser.
Spiced Ham / Special Processed American Meat
The term SPAM actually comes from the name of a brand of canned meat produced by Hormel Foods Corporation based in Austin, Minnesota (US). The name was derived from a contraction of the words "spiced" and "ham."SPAM canned meat gained worldwide popularity after World War II. In the UK, it was mistakenly treated as an acronym for "Special Processed American Meat," and it is even used a derogatory term for an American person.
- Cuthbert: That joke just wasn't funny, Brad.
- Rupert: Forgive Brad, Cuthbert. He's a SPAM.
Monty Python SPAM
Image for SPAM
When I write SPAM, I mean this:
In gaming, SPAM means to play in a way detrimental to the game. It is also an abbreviation for "Spiced Ham" (or "Special Processed American Meat").
Summary of Key Points
First Definition of SPAM
"Unsolicited Messages" is the most common definition for SPAM on Snapchat, WhatsApp, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and TikTok.SPAM | |
---|---|
Definition: | Unsolicited Messages |
Type: | Slang Word |
Guessability: | 2: Quite easy to guess |
Typical Users: | Adults and Teenagers |
Second Definition of SPAM
In gaming, "Gameplay or Activities Detrimental to the Game" is a common definition for SPAM.SPAM | |
---|---|
Definition: | Gameplay or Activities Detrimental to the Game |
Type: | Slang Word |
Guessability: | 3: Guessable |
Typical Users: | Adults and Teenagers |
Third Definition of SPAM
The original definition for SPAM was "Spiced Ham" (aka "Special Processed American Meat").SPAM | |
---|---|
Definition: | Spiced Ham (Special Processed American Meat) |
Type: | Portmanteaux word ("Spiced Ham") or abbreviation ("Special Processed American Meat") |
Guessability: | 4: Difficult to guess |
Typical Users: | Adults |
An Academic Look at SPAM
SPAM is a portmanteau word (i.e., a word made up of two other words). It is formed from the words spiced and ham.When it means "Unsolicited Messages," SPAM is a slang word. (NB: Slang refers to highly informal words and phrases whose use is often restricted to a special context or a particular group of users.)
Example of SPAM Used in a Text
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See Also
LMR (like my recent) TBH (to be honest or honest opinion) DIG (to like) DYL (do you like?) IDL (I don't like) ILQ (I like you) ILT (I like that) SPAMMER (gamer who acts to the detriment of other players, someone who sends unsolicited messages) YQ (I like you)Quiz
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