PhrasesHub

Urban myth

    Definitions

      • a widely circulated but false story or belief
        To describe a fictional or exaggerated story that is commonly believed to be true, especially in urban areas

      • a popular misconception
        To refer to a widely accepted belief or idea that is not based on fact or evidence

    Examples of Urban myth

    • There are still some people who believe that microwaving water for too long will turn it into ice. This is just an urban myth that has been debunked numerous times by scientists.

      The term "urban myth" refers to a popular, but false, belief or story that is spread through urban communities. The example given shows how this term is used to describe a popular misconception about microwaving water.

    • Some people still warn their children not to swallow gum because they believe it will take seven years to digest. This is just an urban myth that was started in the 1950s as a marketing ploy by chewing gum manufacturers.

      The example given demonstrates how an urban myth can be perpetuated over time and how it can be used to manipulate people's beliefs.

    • There are still many people who believe that housing prices will never go down because of a theory called "housing price cyclicality". This theory suggests that housing prices always go up over time, and as a result, many people believe that it is impossible for prices to decrease. However, this is just an urban myth that has been debunked by economists.

      The example given shows how urban myths can be created and perpetuated by highlighting an example where a popular belief is actually false.

    • Some people still believe that staring at a computer screen for too long can cause permanent eye damage. This is just an urban myth that was started in the early days of computers, when screens emitted blue light, which was later shown to be harmless.

      The example given demonstrates how urban myths can be created from a lack of understanding about new technology, and how those myths can persist even as technology evolves.

    • Have you heard the urban myth about the giant spider that lives in the abandoned amusement park on the outskirts of town?

      This idiom is used to describe a widely spread belief or story that has no concrete evidence to support its authenticity. It originated from the phrase "urban legend," which became popular in the 1960s to describe the stories that were believed to be true in urban areas. The use of the term "myth" implies that these stories are exaggerated and supernatural, rather than just unsubstantiated.

    • The company's success is an urban myth. They claim to have made a huge profit last year, but there's no hard evidence to prove it.

      This idiom is used to describe a claim or belief that is unsubstantiated and difficult to verify. It can be applied to companies, individuals, or any other entity that makes exaggerated or dubious claims. The term "myth" in this context implies that the claim may be too good to be true or largely exaggerated.

    • I heard that eating carrots at night can make you grow taller. It's nothing but an urban myth.

      This idiom refers to a widely spread and false belief. It can be applied to any type of story or claim that has no scientific evidence to support it. The term "myth" in this context implies that the claim is supernatural or exaggerated in nature.

    • The new promotion at work is just an urban myth. No one seems to know what it entails or how it works.

      This idiom is used to describe a vague or unclear concept that is widely talked about but lacks proper explanation. It can be applied to any type of announcement, decision, or policy that is poorly communicated or understood within an organization. The term "myth" in this context implies that the concept is shrouded in mystery and uncertainty.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "urban myth" is often used to describe false stories or beliefs that are widely circulated and believed to be true, especially in urban areas. It can also be used to refer to popular misconceptions that are not based on fact or evidence.

    In everyday conversation, people may use the term "urban myth" to caution others against believing or spreading false information, or to highlight the prevalence of fictional stories that are commonly accepted as true.

    Origin of "Urban myth"

    The origin of the idiom "urban myth" can be traced back to the late 20th century, when urban legends and folklore became increasingly popular in mainstream culture. These stories often centered around urban areas and were spread through word of mouth, leading to their widespread acceptance as truth despite lacking evidence.

    The term "urban myth" likely evolved from the concept of "folklore" or "urban legend," and it has since become a common phrase to describe false stories or beliefs that are widely circulated and believed to be true, especially in urban settings. The idiom has continued to be used in modern language to caution against believing or spreading false information, and to highlight the prevalence of popular misconceptions that lack factual basis.