Spam Query

Denise O'Brien (D-OBRIEN@TEMPLEVM.BITNET)
Mon, 24 Oct 1994 14:28:53 EDT

In a recent thread /spam/ has been used as both a verb (so-and-so
spammed Anthro-L) and as a noun. What is the origin or derivation
of this usage? Is it a neologism I've never met before? Is it arcane
computerese? Is it an idiosyncrasy of one of our fellow subscribers---
maybe Steve Mizrach?

I am familiar with /spam/ as a canned mystery meat, first introduced to
the American palate during WWII. My dictionary says /spam/ derives from
/sp(iced) (h)am/. Does its use re the Rushton/race thread have some
relationship to /spiced ham/?
Denise O'Brien