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The timing (1895) and the context (railroad telegraphy) seem about right. But other etymologies are out there. Lexicographer Steve Silverman KB3SII is on the case. What do you guys think? Are the roots of "ham" radio in railroad telegraphy?
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Certainly Telegraphy! Likely also Railroad: the long-distance lines were coeval with the tracks, operators were identifiable by their individual cadence or 'fist', and 'newbie' and less-skilled telegraphers were termed "ham-fisted".
ReplyDeleteHam-Fisted is certainly the most popular concept. I have read somewhere that Hiram Percy Maxim's ( Founder of ARRL) sons Nic-name was Ham and this where "Ham Radio" came from.
ReplyDeleteBill,
ReplyDeleteThere are a lot of specious, and frankly, somewhat ridiculous theories on where the term "ham" came from. This is the first definitive answer from an actual document, not third party hearsay or just making stuff up. Thanks for posting this!
73,
Dave
KF7JAF
Here's another document : https://www.kb6nu.com/is-the-term-ham-older-than-we-thought/
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