swamp gas

English

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.

Pronunciation

  • Audio (US):(file)

Noun

swamp gas (uncountable)

  1. (literally) Gases emitted from a swamp.
    Synonyms: bog gas, marsh gas, biogas
    Swamp gas occasionally catches fire. Sometimes lightning sets off a patch of swamp gas.
  2. (inorganic chemistry, colloquial) Hydrogen sulfide.
    Synonym: rotten egg gas
  3. (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
    He explained away an especially peculiar sighting with another helping of good old swamp gas.

See also

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