From: http://www.bbc.co.uk/worldservice/learningenglish/language/2014/02/140218_todays_phrase_junk_mail.shtml
Junk mail
Do you get a lot of junk mail? Photo: BBC.
Today's Phrase
Junk mail is a term used to describe letters or advertising products which are sent to people who have not asked to receive them. It can also apply to email.
Examples:
Why does no one send me real letters anymore? All I ever receive is junk mail!
When I checked my email this morning there were 15 items of junk mail advertising all kinds of weird things.
Take note
You might also know the phrasejunk food. Things which are unhealthy but quick to eat like hamburgers and hot dogs are examples of junk food.
Example:
I really need to stop eating so much junk food. I'm 2kg heavier than I was 2 months ago.
Interesting fact
In 2010 the British postal service, Royal Mail, delivered 1.7bn items of junk mail to homes around the country. That's 26 items for each person in one year.