Do “spammy” words really matter?

The importance of individual "spammy" words has declined significantly as filtering technology has advanced. Modern filters are far more sophisticated than simple keyword blockers.

In the early days of spam filtering, words like "free" or "winner" could doom a message. Today, these words are evaluated in context. Gmail and Microsoft prioritize sender reputation, authentication, and engagement over word-level analysis.

That said, certain patterns still contribute to spam scores. Combining multiple suspicious words with other issues like poor authentication or unknown sender status can compound problems.

The practical advice is to write naturally. If "free" accurately describes your offer, use it. If your business legitimately sells pharmaceutical products, do not avoid the topic. Focus on authentication and reputation instead.

Filters have learned to read context, not just vocabulary. Write for humans, and the machines will understand.