Glurge (1998)

[Bapopik at AOL.COM]

   Coined by www.snopes.com, but has it escaped from that site?
   Here's what they say about it in their new glossary:


We've added a <A HREF="http://www.snopes.com/info/glossary.asp">glossary</A> of terms used on snopes.com. If you've ever wondered
what "glurge" is, this is the page for you.   (8 May 2003)


http://www.snopes.com/info/glossary.asp
Glurge

Glurge is a term specific to snopes.com, coined in 1998. Already in its short
lifespan it has reached across the Internet and has appeared in the print
media a number of times, and it may well soon make the final breakthrough by
appearing in dictionaries as a bona fide entry. The word was invented by Patricia
Chapin, a member of the urban legends discussion mailing list run in
conjunction with this site. At a loss for words to describe the retching sensation this
then-unnamed category of stories subjected her to, she fashioned a word that
simultaneously named the genre and described its effect.

Glurge (a term which can be used to describe one story or applied to the
genre as a whole) is the body of inspirational tales which conceal much darker
meanings than the uplifting moral lessons they purport to offer, and which
undermine their messages by fabricating and distorting historical fact in the guise
of offering "true stories." Glurge often contains such heart-tugging elements
as sad-eyed puppies, sweet-faced children, angels, dying mothers, or
miraculous rescues brought about by prayer. These stories are meant to be parables for
modern times but fall far short of the mark. Our <A HREF="http://www.snopes.com/glurge/glurge.asp">Glurge Gallery</A> links to all
the glurge any human could stand.