n. & v.
n. 1 a the upper part of a pig's leg salted and dried or smoked for food. b the meat from this. 2 the back of the thigh; the thigh and buttock. 3 sl. (often attrib.) an inexpert or unsubtle actor or piece of acting. 4 (in full radio ham) colloq. the operator of an amateur radio station.
v.intr. & (often foll. by up) tr. (hammed, hamming) sl. overact; act or treat emotionally or sentimentally.
[ OE ham, hom f. a Gmc root meaning 'be crooked' ]