URBAN LEGEND Meaning and
Definition
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An urban legend refers to a popularly circulating story or narrative that is widely believed to be true, despite lacking substantial evidence or factual basis. These legends typically emerge within urban or suburban environments, often spreading through word-of-mouth, electronic communication, or mass media outlets like newspapers, television, or the internet. Urban legends usually involve events or situations that are both extraordinary and unsettling, incorporating elements of horror, mystery, or the supernatural. They often feature ordinary individuals who find themselves confronted with bizarre circumstances or encountering potential dangers.
The defining characteristic of an urban legend is its persistence and widespread dissemination, as it passes from person to person and generation to generation, captivating the collective imagination. These stories often possess persuasive details that lend them an air of plausibility, fostering a sense of caution or fear among those who hear them. Although many urban legends are eventually debunked by a lack of substantiating evidence or thorough investigation, they continue to endure and be adapted due to their captivating nature.
Urban legends serve various functions in society, reflecting cultural anxieties, moral values, or societal concerns. They can caution people against perceived threats, reinforce societal norms, or provide a vehicle for social commentary. Additionally, they often serve as a form of entertainment, fostering communal storytelling and offering a thrilling escape from reality. In the age of modern technology and information sharing, urban legends have extended beyond traditional storytelling, with online platforms amplifying their reach and their impact on contemporary culture.
Common Misspellings for URBAN LEGEND
- yrban legend
- hrban legend
- jrban legend
- irban legend
- 8rban legend
- 7rban legend
- ueban legend
- udban legend
- ufban legend
- utban legend
- u5ban legend
- u4ban legend
- urvan legend
- urnan legend
- urhan legend
- urgan legend
- urbzn legend
- urbsn legend
- urbwn legend
- urbqn legend
Etymology of URBAN LEGEND
The word "urban legend" originated in the mid-20th century and consists of two parts: "urban" and "legend".
1. "Urban": It derives from the Latin word "urbanus" meaning "of the city" or "pertaining to the city". It evolved through French and English to refer specifically to cities or urban areas. In the context of "urban legend", it emphasizes the idea that these legends are often associated with modern, urban environments.
2. "Legend": It comes from the Latin word "legenda", which means "things to be read". In medieval times, legends were stories about saints or significant events, often compiled into books for reading. Over time, the definition expanded to include any traditional or well-known story that gained popularity and was passed down orally.
Idioms with the word URBAN LEGEND
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urban legend
An urban legend is a form of modern folklore consisting of fictional stories often believed to be true, typically spread by word of mouth or through the internet. These stories are often mysterious, shocking, or supernatural in nature and are usually based in a specific location or community.
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