Term ‘Ham’ used as taunt of new amateur operators

The term “ham” was indeed originally used by professional telegraphers as a derogatory term to refer to amateur radio operators. In the early days of wireless telegraphy, professionals considered the skills of these early amateurs to be inferior, often calling them “ham-fisted” operators due to their perceived clumsiness and lack of finesse. Over time, however, amateur radio operators embraced the term “ham” with pride, turning it into a badge of honor that symbolized their enthusiasm, resourcefulness, and contributions to the field of radio communication. Today, “ham” is widely used and accepted as a positive identifier for amateur radio enthusiasts around the world.