March 1, 2018
What does H.A.M.B. mean?
The H.A.M.B. is an internet forum dedicated to creating and modifying hot rods, classic cars modified for speed.
Where does H.A.M.B. come from?
H.A.M.B stands for Hokey Ass Message Boards. It is an offshoot of the hot rod reporting website The Jalopy Journal, created in 1995 by Ryan Cochran and aimed at the do-it-yourself hot rodder.
The H.A.M.B. was created as a way for fans of The Jalopy Journal to discuss hot rodding as a hobby and to share, sell, and request parts and cars. It has sections for talk, classified ads, services, and events.
It’s been around since at least 2003, and has over eight million posts. The website offers a H.A.M.B. Alliance membership which enables members to receive discounts and other benefits. It is a significant force in the hot-rodding community thanks to its long history, extensive membership, and affiliate relationships with vendors.
The H.A.M.B. also hosts an event known as the H.A.M.B. Drags. This is an annual drag racing event, started in 2003, for traditional race cars and hot rods set on the small but historic Mo-Kan Dragway in Missouri.
Examples of H.A.M.B. “Yes, the HAMB might be a bit more salty than here, but you've blown it far out of proportion with your descriptions.” itslow Fordbarn (August 17, 2010) “Welcome from another HAMBer. You may find when the HAMB is hing problems this site is as well seeing Ryan has them all running together.” HOTFR8 Garagejournal (February 3, 2012) “Once he found the ‘right car’ on the H.A.M.B. Internet forum, he drove up to Seattle only to find the ‘solid body’ missing its bottom 6 inches—as in no floor or sills.” Brandan Gillogly, “Couprageous: 1937 Ford Coupe,” Hot Rod Network (January 23, 2013) Who uses H.A.M.B.?
The H.A.M.B. forum is almost always referred to with a definite article, as in “I got this car off the H.A.M.B.” People who frequent the H.A.M.B. are known as HAMBers.
NOTEThis is not meant to be a formal definition of H.A.M.B. like most terms we define on Dictionary.com, but is rather an informal word summary that hopefully touches upon the key aspects of the meaning and usage of H.A.M.B. that will help our users expand their word mastery.