Spec-chum

noun

A user or fan of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer.

Meanings

nounSpec-chum (plural Spec-chums)

plural Spec-chums

  1. UKslangA user or fan of the Sinclair ZX Spectrum computer.

    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.

    2003, Nat Cross, “nostalgia here we go”, in comp.sys.sinclair (Usenet)
    2 more examples

    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.

    1989, Duncan Macdonald, R-Type (video game review in Your Sinclair issue 37, January 1989)

    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...

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

Origin

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

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

Spec-chum. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 3, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Spec-chum

MLA

“Spec-chum.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Spec-chum. Accessed November 3, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “Spec-chum,” accessed November 3, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/Spec-chum.

Source: Spec-chum on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.