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Urban legend
01
a type of modern folklore consisting of stories, often presented as true, that are passed down through generations by word of mouth or through written media
What is an "urban legend"?
An urban legend is a modern folklore story or rumor that is often presented as true. These tales usually involve bizarre, scary, or sensational events and are spread informally through word of mouth or social media. Urban legends often reflect contemporary fears or societal concerns and may be based on real places or events but are exaggerated or distorted over time. They are known for their dramatic, believable details and the way they spread quickly, even though they often lack factual evidence.
Example
The journalist dedicated her career to the debunking of urban legends, separating fact from fiction in her articles.
While historians may take issue, the stories of ancient mythology and modern-day urban legends often serve as reflections of societal values and beliefs.
The apocryphal nature of the urban legend became clear when researchers debunked it.
While it's tempting to credit the urban legend, there's usually a more rational explanation behind such stories.
