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.

Synonyms

• urban legend
• myth
• legend
• folk tale

Translations

widely circulated story — see urban legend