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.

Noun

swamp gas (uncountable)

  1. (literally) gases emitted from a swamp
    Synonyms: bog gas, marsh gas, biogas
  2. (inorganic chemistry, colloquial) hydrogen sulfide
    Synonym: rotten egg gas
  3. (ufology, sarcastic) a skeptical explanation to debunk a UFO sighting that a believer regards as silly, illogical or disingenuous
    Synonyms: weather balloon, pelican
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