Hams

Hams is a plural noun with several common meanings. The most widely used are amateur radio operators and cured pork products. In informal speech, "ham" may also describe an actor who overacts, with "hams" referring to such performers.

In telecommunications, a ham is an amateur radio operator who uses designated radio frequencies for non-commercial experimentation and communication. Licensing is common in many countries; operators communicate via voice or digital modes, build or modify equipment, and participate in clubs, contests, emergency communications, and public service events. Each operator is assigned a call sign by the national regulatory authority. Hams contribute to disaster relief by providing backup communications when commercial networks fail.

Ham is meat from a pig's hind leg that has been cured, smoked, or otherwise processed. It can be sold unsmoked as fresh ham or cured as city ham, country ham, or prosciutto, among others. Curing uses salt and sometimes nitrites or sugars; products vary by region and tradition. Ham is a staple ingredient in many cuisines and is eaten hot or cold, in dishes or sandwiches.

In acting, a "ham" is a performer who overacts to draw attention; "hams" is used to describe such actors. The term has historical usage in theatre and film criticism.