Urban legend
WordNet
noun
(1) A story that appears mysteriously and spreads spontaneously in various forms and is usually false; contains elements of humor or horror and is popularly believed to be true
WiktionaryText
Noun
- A widely circulated story that is untrue or apocryphal, often having elements of humour or horror.
- The claim that alligators live in New York City's sewers is an old urban legend.
See also
- conspiracy theory
- conventional wisdom
- hoax
- old wive's tale
- shaggy dog story
- tall tale