spam: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
HighPredominantly informal, except in technical/computing contexts where it's standard professional terminology.
Quick answer
What does “spam” mean?
Unsolicited, irrelevant, or inappropriate messages sent over the internet, typically to a large number of users, for advertising, phishing, spreading malware, etc.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Unsolicited, irrelevant, or inappropriate messages sent over the internet, typically to a large number of users, for advertising, phishing, spreading malware, etc.
1) Irrelevant or excessive postings in a forum, blog comments, etc., often for commercial or disruptive purposes. 2) A verb meaning to send such messages. 3) An adjective describing something excessive, unwanted, or of low quality. 4) (Historical/trademark) A canned meat product made by Hormel Foods Corporation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
In British English, 'Spam' (capitalised) is more readily recognised as the canned meat product. In American English, the computing/internet sense is overwhelmingly dominant, and the canned meat product is less common. 'Spammy' (adj.) is more frequent in US digital contexts.
Connotations
UK: Stronger humorous association with the Monty Python sketch and the meat product. US: More direct negative association with digital annoyance and security threats.
Frequency
The digital sense has extremely high frequency in both varieties. The canned meat sense has moderate frequency in the UK and low frequency in the US.
Grammar
How to Use “spam” in a Sentence
spam [sb] with [sth]spam [sth] to [sb/group]get spammed by [sb]be spammed with [sth]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “spam” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- Don't spam the forum with off-topic links.
- My inbox got spammed over the weekend.
American English
- He spammed the entire mailing list with his newsletter.
- I'm being spammed by political campaigns.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Refers to a significant IT/communications cost and security issue; 'combatting spam', 'anti-spam policies'.
Academic
Used in computer science, communication studies, and sociology papers on internet culture and regulation.
Everyday
Commonly used to complain about unwanted emails, texts, or social media posts.
Technical
A precise term in network security, email server administration, and machine learning for classification tasks.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “spam”
- Using 'spam' as a countable noun for a single message (e.g., 'I received a spam') – better to say 'a spam message' or 'a piece of spam'. Confusing 'spam' (unsolicited bulk) with 'phishing' (targeted fraud).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While email spam is the most common form, the term applies to any unsolicited bulk digital communication, including text messages (SMS spam), social media comments, forum posts, and blog comments.
Spam is about volume and lack of consent – it's unsolicited bulk. Phishing is about intent – it's a targeted fraudulent attempt to steal sensitive information. Phishing emails can be a form of spam, but not all spam is phishing.
The term was adopted from the Hormel canned meat product. It was inspired by a famous Monty Python sketch where the word 'Spam' is repeated excessively, overwhelming the dialogue, much like unwanted messages overwhelm inboxes.
Yes, it is very commonly used as a verb (e.g., 'to spam someone'). The past tense is 'spammed'.
Unsolicited, irrelevant, or inappropriate messages sent over the internet, typically to a large number of users, for advertising, phishing, spreading malware, etc.
Spam is usually predominantly informal, except in technical/computing contexts where it's standard professional terminology. in register.
Spam: in British English it is pronounced /spæm/, and in American English it is pronounced /spæm/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Spam and eggs (referencing the Monty Python sketch)”
- “Spam in a can (aviation slang, pre-spaceflight, for a test pilot)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a can of **SPAM** meat getting opened and its contents **sp**reading **am**ounts of unwanted, greasy stuff everywhere – just like unwanted emails.
Conceptual Metaphor
DIGITAL COMMUNICATION IS PHYSICAL MAIL (junk mail); DIGITAL WASTE IS LOW-QUALITY FOOD (spam meat).
Practice
Quiz
What is the origin of the digital meaning of 'spam'?