troll
1Origin of troll
1OTHER WORDS FROM troll
troller, nounun·trolled, adjectiveWORDS THAT MAY BE CONFUSED WITH troll
trawl, trollWords nearby troll
Other definitions for troll (2 of 2)
Origin of troll
2MORE ABOUT TROLL
What does troll mean?
A troll is someone who harasses other people online to try to get a negative reaction from them. To troll someone is to harass them.
The online troll is related to the trolls of legend and fiction, supernatural creatures that live in caves or other underground places. In such stories, trolls are monsters that are unfriendly to humans and sometimes kidnap them. The online sense of troll likens such people to monsters lurking and waiting for the chance to harass others.
As a verb, troll also means to fish along a moving line, such as a line that trails behind a moving boat. When you move the fishing line or bait on such a line, that too is to troll.
Example: I trolled my fishing line a little and ended up catching a big fish.
Where does troll come from?
The first records of the verb troll come from around 1350. It ultimately comes from the Middle High German trollen, meaning “to walk or run with short steps.” The first records of the noun troll come from around 1610. It comes from the Old Norse troll meaning “demon.”
In most discussions, most people will think of the monstrous creatures and people who act like them. Internet trolls are known to spread purposely false or inflammatory messages online to upset and mislead people. The best way to deal with online trolls is not to feed them. In other words, don’t respond to them, because that encourages them to continue behaving badly.
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How is troll used in real life?
Troll has several meanings, but you’ll most likely see the harassment meaning used online.
I wish all you bots and trolls a pleasant weekend. I will continue to include what I want on my Twitter feed.
— Adam Boulton (@adamboultonTABB) May 22, 2020
I tried to make a selfie. I look like a bridge troll. So that why I don't do that. Also because it is lame. Ha
— christina applegate (@1capplegate) January 14, 2016
i am a troll 1st and a musician 2nd. priorities.
— MONTERO 🦋 (@LilNasX) April 16, 2019
Try using troll!
Is troll used correctly in the following sentence?
Some troll tried to get me riled up online today, but I just ignored it.