Internet Troll Definition & Examples

Meaning 1：online provocateur (Internet Troll)

Internet Troll 🔊

/ˈɪntərˌnɛt troʊl/

A person who posts upsetting messages online to start arguments and upset people.

Internet Troll hiding under keyboard bridge typing angry messages

online provocateur 🔊

➕

/ˈɒnlaɪn ˌprɒvəkəˈtɜːr/

A person who deliberately posts inflammatory or offensive messages in online communities to provoke reactions and disrupt discussions.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From 'Internet' (inter+net) and 'troll' (fishing term 'trolling' for luring).

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a troll under a bridge (forum) holding a fishing rod with 'angry bait' to catch replies.

📖 Example

Ignore the comments from that Internet troll; he's just trying to make everyone angry so they'll reply to him. 🔊 Ignore the comments from that Internet troll; he's just trying to make everyone angry so they'll reply to him.

🔗 Collocations

feed the troll – To respond to a troll's provocation, encouraging their behavior

troll hunting – The activity of identifying and countering online trolls

troll bait – A message intentionally posted to provoke a troll into responding

🔄 Synonyms

provocateur (n.) – A person who provokes others, especially in a political or social context

instigator (n.) – Someone who initiates or stirs up trouble or conflict

rabble-rouser (n.) – A person who stirs up the emotions or prejudices of a group, often for personal gain

🚫 Antonyms

peacemaker (n.) – A person who settles disputes and promotes harmony

mediator (n.) – Someone who helps to resolve conflicts between parties

🌱 Derivatives

trolling (n.) – The act of posting inflammatory messages online

trolled (adj.) – Past participle; describes someone who has been the target of a troll

trollish (adj.) – Behaving like or characteristic of a troll

📖 Cultural Story

The modern sense of 'troll' emerged on Usenet in the late 1980s, derived from the fishing technique 'trolling' (dragging bait), later conflated with the mythical troll. It describes someone who 'baits' others online.