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troll

TROL /troʊl/

nounverbB2

informal

A person who deliberately submits provocative or off-topic posts online with the primary intent of upsetting others or disrupting normal discussion.

Implies deliberate baiting for an emotional reaction rather than expressing a genuine, differing opinion.

The story behind the word. The term blends two distinct roots: the Scandinavian mythological 'troll' (a hideous creature lurking under bridges) and the fishing technique 'trolling' (trailing a baited line behind a slow boat). On early Usenet groups in the late 1980s, 'trolling for newbies' meant dropping foolish questions to see who would take the bait.

Word relationships

provocateur: 'Provocateur' is a broader, often political term, whereas 'troll' usually carries a connotation of online mischief or malice.
baiter: 'Baiter' focuses strictly on trying to trap someone into an argument.

mediator: A mediator seeks to reduce tension and build consensus rather than provoke anger.

Commonly confused with

trawl: 'Trawl' means to search through thoroughly or fish with a dragnet; 'troll' in fishing means trailing a line, though online it means baiting users.

Word family

trolling (noun): The act of posting inflammatory content online.

Collocations

internet troll
troll account
feed the troll
troll factory

Idioms & expressions

don't feed the troll

Example sentences

"It was quickly apparent that the anonymous user was just a troll attempting to derail the civil debate on urban planning." Online Forum Moderation
"Community managers often advise users not to feed the troll, as attention only encourages further disruption." Social Media Strategy

Memory hook

Lurking under the digital bridge with a baited hook. Baits you into an argument just for kicks.

When not to use

Do not label everyone who disagrees with you as a troll; the word specifically requires bad-faith provocation.

Fun facts

In the early 1990s, 'trolling' was considered a harmless initiation rite on newsgroups, testing whether newcomers could spot obvious jokes before responding seriously.