Why Do We Call Unwanted Emails 'Spam'?

When you hear the word "Spam," you might think of a can of processed meat that some people love and others avoid.

But for many of us, the word instantly brings to mind annoying junk emails filling up our inboxes.

These unwanted messages often promise miracle cures, fake prizes, or risky investments, and nobody enjoys dealing with them. But why do we call them spam?

Spam might seem like just another annoying part of being online, but it’s more than that. It’s often used by cybercriminals to trick, steal, or spread harmful programs.

With around 250 billion spam emails sent every day, it makes up a huge 85% of email traffic globally—and the story behind this term is as unusual as the emails themselves.

This article will explore where the term "spam" comes from, how it became linked to junk emails, and how it has turned into a major online problem. We’ll also look at ways to recognize and block spam to keep your inbox safe and clutter-free.

What is Spam?

(Not the food!)

Spam refers to unwanted messages sent to many people at once, often for advertising or scams.

While it’s most common in email, spam can also appear in text messages, social media, blog comments, or even phone calls. Simply put, spam is any message you didn’t ask for and don’t want.

The term “spam” comes from a Monty Python comedy skit where the canned meat product, Spam, is repeatedly offered to diners who don’t want it. Just like in the skit, spam messages are forced on us, even when we don’t want them.

Some spam is just annoying, like endless promotional emails. But other spam can be harmful, including scams to steal your information or messages that spread malware. Since it’s cheap to send millions of spam messages, spammers use this tactic to reach as many people as possible.

Understanding spam helps protect you from its risks. Recognizing and blocking spam can prevent issues like stolen data, financial loss, or hacked devices. Staying alert is key to keeping your online life safe.

When did Spam begin?

Spam started in the early days of online communities back in the 1980s.

It began in multiplayer online games called MUDs (multi-user dungeons), where players would disrupt chats or systems by sending lots of useless or repeated messages. This behavior was named after a Monty Python sketch where the word "Spam" (the canned meat) was humorously repeated over and over.

By the 1990s, spam became more common on the Usenet message board system, an early version of online forums. A notable event in 1993 involved a software glitch that accidentally posted over 200 repetitive messages to a group. A user named Joel Furr called this "spam," and the term stuck.

At first, spam just referred to flooding conversations with too many messages. Over time, it expanded to mean unwanted advertising and deceptive messages in emails and other digital spaces.

As the internet grew, spam became a bigger issue, affecting people worldwide.

What makes an email spam?

Not all unwanted emails are considered spam, but certain traits often define them.

Understanding these traits is essential to avoid sending spam-like emails, whether for personal or business purposes.

According to email experts, an email is generally labeled as spam when it meets these three criteria:

It’s unwanted

Spam emails are sent without the recipient’s permission. If someone didn’t ask for or agree to receive your emails, it’s considered unsolicited. Even if the message seems useful, sending it without consent makes it the first step toward becoming spam.

It’s sent in bulk

Spam emails often go out to large groups of people at the same time, lacking any personal touch. Unlike a thoughtful, individual email, these bulk messages are generic and impersonal.

Sending mass emails without permission can even break email laws in some countries.

The sender is unknown

Spammers usually don’t have any relationship with their recipients. They send messages randomly, without knowing or caring about the people receiving them. Legitimate emails, on the other hand, generally come from trusted senders whom the recipient has chosen to hear from.

When an email is unsolicited, sent in bulk, and comes from an unknown sender, it’s likely to be labeled as spam. To prevent this, focus on gaining consent, personalizing messages, and ensuring your emails are relevant to your audience.

Why do emails end up in spam?

Even if you follow good practices, your emails might still land in the spam folder. While actual spam is the main reason, other factors can also cause spam filters to flag your messages.

Here’s why this happens:

Not Maintaining a Good Email List

If your contact list isn’t updated or well-managed, your emails may be marked as spam. Examples of poor list management include:

• Sending emails to incorrect or outdated addresses.
• Repeatedly emailing people who don’t open or interact with your messages.
• Using purchased or scraped email lists.

Common Mistakes in Sending Emails

Sometimes, simple missteps can make your emails look like spam. These include:

• Misleading subject lines, like exaggerated claims or clickbait.
• Overusing spammy words such as "Free," "Win," or "Guaranteed."
• Unprofessional formatting, like too many images or broken links.
• Generic greetings that feel impersonal or mass-sent.

How Recipients View Your Emails

Spam filters also look at how people react to your emails. If recipients:

• Mark your email as spam, even by accident.
• Ignore your emails and never open them.

This can harm your reputation as a sender, making it more likely your future messages will go to spam.

Technical Problems

Sometimes, technical issues can trigger spam filters. These include:

• Missing authentication records like SPF, DKIM, or DMARC.
• Sharing an email server with others who might be spammers.
• Sending too many emails too fast, which can overwhelm the server.

Common Types of Email Spam

Spam emails can take many forms, from harmless promotions to dangerous scams.

Here’s a simple guide to the most common types and how to deal with them:

1. Promotional Emails

• What They Are: Emails from companies promoting their products or services, often disguised as newsletters.
• Why You Get Them: You might have unknowingly signed up while shopping online or registering for services.
• What to Do: Look for the "Unsubscribe" link at the bottom of the email to stop receiving them. If they persist, block the sender through your email settings.

2. Fake Antivirus Alerts

• What They Are: Emails claiming your computer has a virus, offering a quick fix through a link or download.
• Why They’re Dangerous: These links can install malware or steal your data.
• What to Do: Never click on suspicious links. Use trusted antivirus software to scan your system instead.

3. Phishing Scams

• What They Are: Emails pretending to be from companies or institutions (like banks) that ask for sensitive information.
• How to Spot Them: Scammers may use fake logos or ask you to click links to “verify” your account.
• What to Do: Double-check the sender's email address for authenticity. Contact the company directly if you’re unsure.

4. Prize or Lottery Scams

• What They Are: Emails claiming you’ve won a prize in a sweepstake you didn’t enter.
• Why They’re Suspicious: Legitimate contests won’t ask for personal details or payment through generic emails.
• What to Do: Ignore these emails. Avoid clicking any links or sharing personal information.

5. Money or Donation Scams

• What They Are: Emails asking for money, often playing on emotions. Common examples include fake inheritances or urgent pleas for charity.
• What to Do: Be cautious. Verify the claims through trusted sources before giving any money or sharing your bank details.

5 tips to keep your emails out of spam

1. Make Unsubscribing Easy

Why it's important: If people can’t opt out easily, they might mark your email as spam.

What to do: Add a clear unsubscribe link at the bottom of your email. Make the process simple and quick.

2. Use Simple Subject Lines

Why it's important: Certain words like "FREE" or "WINNER" can trigger spam filters.

What to do: Keep your subject lines straightforward and relevant to the email content.

3. Email Only Those Who Want It

Why it's important: Sending unwanted emails increases spam complaints.

What to do: Send emails only to people who signed up for them. Avoid using purchased email lists.

4. Send Emails on a Regular Schedule

Why it's important: Spammers send emails unpredictably, making a consistent schedule look more credible.

What to do: Choose a regular frequency, like weekly or monthly, and stick to it.

5. Maintain a Clean Email List

Why it's important: Invalid or outdated email addresses harm your reputation.

What to do: Review and remove bad addresses from your list regularly using email-checking tools.

So, why do spammers spam?

Just a real talk: spammers send spam emails because it’s cheap and can make them a lot of money.

It costs spammers almost nothing to send millions of emails, and even if only a tiny number of people fall for their scams, they can still earn huge profits.

For example, spam has been estimated to bring in hundreds of millions of dollars every year while causing billions of dollars in losses for individuals and businesses. Elderly people and those who aren’t very familiar with technology are especially at risk, as they are more likely to click on harmful links or share sensitive information.

Although email filters and anti-spam tools help reduce spam, they aren’t perfect, and spammers are always finding new tricks to get around them.

Wrap Up

Spam might seem like nothing more than a small annoyance, but it actually creates serious problems.

Beyond just clogging up your inbox, spam can lead to scams, security breaches, and financial losses. What started as a quirky joke in an old comedy sketch has turned into a growing online threat. Understanding what spam is and learning how to deal with it is key to staying safe online.

By being careful with suspicious emails, protecting your information, and using spam filters, you can reduce your risks.

Spammers rely on sending out millions of cheap messages to make money, often at your expense. However, by adopting smart habits and utilizing effective tools, you can take control and maintain a clean and safe inbox.

Staying informed isn’t just about convenience—it’s about protecting your personal and digital security. Stay cautious, stay informed, and keep control of your online world.