noun
ham
A person who operates radio equipment as a hobby.
The local ham uses her radio to contact operators overseas.
Etymology
Probably an extension of ham as an inept performer to an unskilled radio operator. Amateurs adopted the label and weakened its insulting force.
More examples
- Several hams relay messages when cell service fails.
- My neighbor is a ham with a radio antenna on his roof.
- The club welcomes new hams who want to practice using their radios.
Forms
ham · hams
Similar words
- radio amateur
- Names the same hobbyist without using the informal nickname.