People shocked to find out this is what SPAM actually stands for

SPAM is a popularly consumed luncheon meat, which has become a very regular part of diet for many households across the world. But turns out not too many people actually know that 'SPAM' does not refer to a word or a mysterious acronym, but it is in fact a portmanteau of two different words.

Yes, much like when people realised what ASDA stands for, or that IKEA is actually an abbreviated form of its full name, or the real words that M&M's stands for, people are shocked to find out that their fav lunch meat has a deeper significance behind its name.

The mystery of what's inside SPAM

Minnesota-based food firm Hormel Foods first introduced SPAM to the market in 1937. Since then, people have made innumerable jokes about the fact that no one really seems to know whats inside a piece of SPAM.

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This has led people to suggest witty and hilarious full-forms for SPAM. In one Reddit thread, a consumer suggests,

I'm pretty sure it's really "Something Posing As Meat."

Another says,

Spare Parts of Animal Meat

Still another Redditor writes,

Super Processed Amalgamation of Meats

The company does inform people about the ingredients SPAM through their website stating,

It's an age-old question: what is the meat in the special can of SPAM® Classic? Many myths abound, but the answer is actually quite simple.

The ingredients in SPAM are: pork, water, salt, potato starch, sugar, and sodium nitrate.

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This is what SPAM actually stands for

In spite of all the colourful speculations by SPAM fans, the real meaning behind its name is much more benign. As per New York Post, SPAM is actually a portmanteau which stands for 'spiced ham.'

As per the SPAM website, Ken Daigneau, the brother of Hormel Foods Vice-President was the person behind the name of the luncheon meat, after he had won a contest for it.

As per the company, to make SPAM, the ground-up pork and ham are mixed with the other ingredients. This mix is then heated. Once its hot enough, it’s put into vacuum-sealed cans. The cans are then cooked and then cooled for three hours, after which they’re ready to be labelled and shipped for diners to enjoy!

Sources used:

SPAM

New York Post: 'People astonished to learn what SPAM actually stands for after decades'

Reddit: r/TIL