urban myth

English

Noun

urban myth (plural urban myths)

1. A widely circulated story, often believed to be true by the teller, but usually distorted, exaggerated or fabricated for sensational effect, and often having elements of humour or horror.
   • 2012, Andrew Martin, Underground Overground: A passenger's history of the Tube, Profile Books, →ISBN, page 67:

     The Circle generated urban myths: the man who died on it and then went round all day; the language school that conducted its classes on Circle trains, the collective daily fare being cheaper than office rental.

   • 2020 August 26, Tim Dunn, “Great railway bores of our time!”, in Rail, page 46:

     The urban myth of the sun shining through Box Tunnel on Brunel's birthday may have been knocked on the head, but in its portal facing designs he created structures which have stood the test of time well.

Synonyms

• urban legend
• myth
• legend
• folk tale

Translations

widely circulated story — see urban legend