What does Troll mean?
Someone who deliberately provokes others online
Detailed Explanation
An internet 'troll' is a person who intentionally posts inflammatory, provocative, or off-topic messages in an online community with the primary goal of upsetting users or disrupting the conversation for their own amusement. 'Trolling' is the act of doing this. It is a form of online harassment, and the intent is to get a reaction, not to engage in genuine debate.
Usage Examples
“Don't reply to his comment, he's obviously just a troll looking for attention.”
“The comment section was completely derailed by a troll.”
“The first rule of the internet is: don't feed the trolls.”
Origin & History
The term comes from the fishing practice of 'trolling,' which is dragging a baited line behind a boat. In the late 1980s and early 1990s on Usenet forums, it was used to describe the act of 'trolling for newbies' by posting common questions to see who would react. It quickly evolved to mean the more malicious provocation we know today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is trolling the same as having an unpopular opinion?
No. The key difference is intent. Someone with an unpopular opinion genuinely believes what they are saying and is open to debate. A troll does not usually believe their inflammatory statements and is only interested in getting an angry reaction.