Spec-chum

English

Etymology

Blend of spectrum +‎ chum, introduced by Your Sinclair magazine.

Noun

Spec-chum (plural Spec-chums)

1. (slang, UK) A user or fan of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer.
   • 1989, Duncan Macdonald, R-Type (video game review in Your Sinclair issue 37, January 1989)

     In fact it's hardly surprising that plans for downloading it onto the Speccy were received with, erm, mirth to say the very least. I must admit that I myself thought something along the lines of "R-Type? Oh yeah?" Well, Spec-chums - let me tell you something: I've never been more wrong.

   • 2000, Robert J. Baker, “AY sound chip information”, in comp.sys.sinclair (Usenet):

     I don't *know* for sure, but I *believe* that hardware pseudo-random bit sequences like this one are often done using shift registers with feedback. Cue some more clued-up Spec-chum who can fill in the gory details...

   • 2003, Nat Cross, “nostalgia here we go”, in comp.sys.sinclair (Usenet):

     YS3 is the essential read for the discerning Spec-chum. Available now, you can either browse online, or download a copy to read at your leisure.

Related terms

• Speccy