Learn in the textbookMalware Distribution Routes and Extortion Tactics
DefinitionSpam (スパム) means messages sent in bulk to anyone at all without the recipients’ consent; in email it refers to the same thing as spam email (迷惑メール).
ExplanationSpam sent by email is also called spam mail, and the same word is used for mass posting on message boards and social media. A similar nuisance is the chain letter, which asks in its text to be forwarded to many people and spreads as each recipient passes it on.
Memory hookThe word is said to come from a British comedy sketch in which the brand name of a canned meat is chanted over and over.