swamp gas
From Wiktionary, the free dictionary
Etymology
- (hydrogen sulfide): So called because it is often emitted from wetlands such as swamps as a result of anaerobic bacteria, and is responsible for their foul “rotten egg” odor.
- (ufology): An explanation given by then-skeptic J. Allen Hynek for an alleged UFO sighting in Michigan near Lake Huron in 1966.
Noun
- (literally) Gases emitted from a swamp.
- (inorganic chemistry, colloquial) Hydrogen sulfide.
- Synonym: rotten egg gas
- (ufology, sarcastic) A skeptical explanation that is provided in order to debunk a UFO sighting that a believer regards as ludicrous, illogical or disingenuous.
- Synonyms: weather balloon, pelican
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