Here's the breakdown:
* The Sketch: In the 1970s, the British comedy group Monty Python performed a sketch called "The Spam Song." The sketch featured a group of Vikings constantly singing about a canned meat product called "Spam," drowning out any other conversation.
* The Connection: In the 1990s, the internet was becoming more prevalent. Users began sending unsolicited mass emails, often promoting products or services. These messages became known as "spam" because they were like the relentless "Spam" singing in the Monty Python sketch – overwhelming and unwanted.
* The Evolution: The term "spam" evolved to encompass all forms of unsolicited electronic messages, including junk mail, instant messages, and even social media messages.
So, while the origin of the word "Spam" itself is unrelated to digital communication, the Monty Python sketch provided a perfect metaphorical analogy for the annoyance of unwanted electronic messages.