What does Rickroll mean?
A bait-and-switch internet prank
Detailed Explanation
A 'rickroll' is one of the most famous internet pranks of all time. It involves tricking someone into clicking a hyperlink that they believe will lead to a specific piece of content, but instead redirects them to the music video for Rick Astley's 1987 song 'Never Gonna Give You Up.' To be 'rickrolled' is to fall for this bait-and-switch prank.
Usage Examples
“The link for the new movie trailer was just a rickroll.”
“My teacher tried to rickroll our entire class during a presentation.”
“I can't believe I fell for a rickroll in 2025.”
Origin & History
The prank originated on the 4chan imageboard in 2007. It was a spin-off of an earlier prank called 'duckrolling,' where users were redirected to an image of a duck on wheels. A user swapped the duck link for the Rick Astley music video, and the 'rickroll' was born, becoming a global internet phenomenon by 2008.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is rickrolling still a thing?
Yes. It is one of the most enduring internet memes. While it is no longer a viral phenomenon, it is a well-known and still-practiced prank, often used in clever and unexpected ways.