Not an urban legend: I was there.
Abhyankar was speaking at Mumford's seminar, so Zariski, though long-retired, came to hear his former student speak. Abhyankar began his talk by stating that he would only be working in characteristic 0.
Zariski interrupted to ask "Are there any additional difficulties in characteristic p?"
Abhyankar smiled and said "Only psychological difficulties."
Zariski turned to the audience and stated, most forcefully, "I have NEVER had psychological difficulties."
