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Spam is the term for unsolicited, unwanted bulk messages sent electronically, most commonly as email. The term originated from a Monty Python sketch and is now used for a wide range of digital messages, including texts, advertisements, and malicious content like phishing scams. It can include everything from unwanted commercial messages to emails containing malware, designed to flood inboxes and networks.

Key characteristics of spam

Unsolicited and unwanted: The message is sent to you without your prior request.

Bulk messaging: The message is sent to a large number of recipients at once.

Electronic: It can be delivered via email, text messages, instant messaging apps, or other digital platforms.

Can be commercial or malicious: Spam is often used for advertising, but can also be used to spread malware or conduct phishing scams to steal personal information.

How it gets its name. The term comes from a 1970s Monty Python sketch where the word "SPAM" is repeated incessantly, drowning out other conversation. This was a metaphor for how early internet users would flood newsgroups and forums with repetitive, unwanted messages.