Just wonder where the Urban in “urban legends” came from it might be obvious to you all…but i dont get it
Most of the stories circulated occur in or near a city. Secondly, they aren’t true. Thirdly, a lot of people believe they are. Thus, the title Urband Legends.
That’s the way I see it.
My guess is that these legends describe events taking place in our modern world, in which the bulk of the population is located in urban areas. This is to distinguish them from older legends, which describe magical beings who live in forests or under the sea.
From http://www.urbanlegends.com/afu.faq/intro.html
Lots of other good info at that site.
No, no. The entymology is clear.
Dead monkeys on a stick—>Urban Legends.
I think it speaks for itself.
Good night.
–Tim
Another possibility (I know that it couldn’t POSSIBLY compare to Homer’s well-thought-out response, but here goes)…
In urban areas, you have lots of people living close together. Once a wacky story gets started, it spreads through the urban area like wildfire.
Huh? Huh?? How do you like THEM apples? (Note: I just came up with that out of nowhere… seems plausible, I guess).
Ok, here’s my WAG!
Starts out in the Urban area. Billy Jo Jim Bob cuts his finger with a hack-saw. His neighbor re-tells the story as BJJB was using a chain-saw. His brother’s sister’s cousin, now re-tells the story as BJJB was using a chain-saw while squiking a rat. And so-on and so-on and now POOF, Urban Legend Billy Jo Jim Bob was using a wood chipper while felching a goat and squicking a mouse.
:: hands head in shame, i can’t believe it just posted this :: 
sounds good enough but why was billy jo using a hack saw in the first place?
Oh wait…I know! Cuttin’ up squirrel for dinner?
I am often annoyed by the term “Urban Legend”. I don’t live in an urban area and we have tons of them about this area. I prefer the term “Modern Myth”. I’ve been trying to get that tocatch on for a few years. No success.
Hmmm, shouldn’t that be “cuttin up squaral fer dina”? Geez, i gotta teach you guys everything about being a Redneck?
No offense, and I love the Exide car, but if I’m gonna git me some redneck lessons, I think I’ll look up ol’ Daryl Waltrip.
Hot damn, lookit dat! Anutter Nascar fan. Cool deal.
Yeah i have to agree with you there Manhattan. Good ole’ DW would be my first choice too.