Originally published August 1, 2003.

From PC World: The spam designation - referring to unsolicited e-mail - comes from a Monty Python's Flying Circus skit, circa 1970. A couple tries to order breakfast in a cafe where every menu item includes Spam. Meanwhile a clutch of helmet-headed Vikings break into song, chanting "Spam, Spam, Spam, Spam" and drowing out everyone in the joint.