Troll Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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troll
[trəʊl ]
Definitions
online
A person who sows discord on the Internet by starting arguments or upsetting people, by posting inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community.
Synonyms
flamer, provocateur, troublemaker.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| troll |
Used to describe someone who deliberately posts offensive, controversial, or off-topic messages in an online community to upset people or provoke an emotional response. Often used in online forums and social media.
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| provocateur |
Used to describe someone who provokes others to create a reaction, conflict, or controversy. The term can apply to various situations, not limited to online activities, and may refer to artistic or political contexts as well.
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| flamer |
Refers to a person who posts insulting or inflammatory comments online, often in a cyber-bullying manner. The tone is usually very aggressive and intended to provoke anger or upset. Negative connotation.
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| troublemaker |
A general term for a person who causes problems, mischief, or disturbances. It is versatile and can be used in both online and offline contexts. Often implies a nuisance but not always malicious intent.
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Examples of usage
- He's just a troll looking for attention.
- Don't feed the trolls by responding to their comments.
folklore
A mythical creature typically depicted as a large, ugly, and mischievous being, often living under a bridge or in the forest.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| troll |
A troll is often associated with internet behavior, referring to someone who intentionally provokes or upsets others online. It can also describe a mythical creature that lives under bridges or in caves, often depicted as ugly and malevolent.
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| ogre |
An ogre refers to a large and fearsome creature, often depicted in folklore and fairy tales. It can also describe a person who is perceived as extremely unpleasant or cruel.
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| giant |
A giant is often used to describe a huge, usually mythical, human-like creature or anything larger-than-life. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a person or entity known for their great achievements or influence.
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| goblin |
A goblin is typically depicted as a mischievous and malevolent creature in folklore and fantasy literature. It can refer to a small, ugly, and evil being that causes trouble.
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Examples of usage
- The troll demanded a toll from those who wanted to cross the bridge.
- The old stories tell of trolls lurking in the dark woods.
online
To post inflammatory, extraneous, or off-topic messages in an online community, with the primary intent of provoking readers into an emotional response.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| troll |
Again, related to the act of posting inflammatory content online to upset others. Duplicate entry probably included for emphasis.
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| provoke |
Used when someone is deliberately trying to evoke a reaction, usually an emotional or angry one, from another person.
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| antagonize |
Best used when referring to actions that cause someone to become hostile or angry. Often used in general interactions, not limited to online.
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| bait |
Typically used when someone is tempting or luring another person into a confrontation or a trap, often with the purpose of eliciting an aggressive response.
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Examples of usage
- He's just trying to troll you, don't take the bait.
- Stop trolling and contribute something meaningful to the discussion.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In fantasy literature, trolls are depicted as clumsy and brutish creatures, as seen in works like J.R.R. Tolkien's 'The Hobbit'.
- The term gained popularity in the early internet culture of the 1990s, describing those who provocatively post on forums.
Psychology
- Research suggests that online trolls often thrive on anonymity, leading to decreased social accountability for their actions.
- Studies indicate that many trolls exhibit traits associated with antisocial behavior, enjoying the reactions their provocations create.
Education
- Lessons on cyberbullying often use trolls as an example of harmful online behavior, stressing the importance of kindness.
- Understanding trolling behavior can improve digital literacy, teaching individuals how to navigate online interactions responsibly.
Technology
- With the rise of social media, trolling has become more prevalent, impacting discussions across platforms globally.
- Algorithms on many platforms sometimes unintentionally amplify troll comments, leading to larger toxic interactions.
Origin of 'troll'
Main points about word origin
- The word originated from Scandinavian folklore, referring to a giant or monster living in caves or mountains.
- Trolls in mythology often symbolize chaos or disruptive forces, reflecting the online behavior associated with the term today.
The word 'troll' has a rich history rooted in Scandinavian folklore. In Old Norse, 'troll' referred to a supernatural being or monster. Over time, the term evolved to describe various mythical creatures in different cultures. In the context of the internet, 'troll' took on a new meaning as someone who deliberately stirs up trouble or harasses others online. The use of 'troll' in online communities became widespread in the late 20th century, gaining popularity as a term for disruptive or provocative online behavior.