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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Troll Definition, Examples & Usage (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：trolling (Troll)

Troll 🔊

/troʊl/

n., v.

(v.) To post offensive or upsetting messages online on purpose, just to make people angry and start arguments.

Troll typing provocative messages on laptop in dark room

trolling 🔊

➕

/ˈtroʊlɪŋ/

n., v.

The act of intentionally posting offensive or controversial messages online to upset others and trigger arguments.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old Norse 'troll' meaning giant or monster; modern internet sense arose in the 1990s on Usenet.

💡 Mnemonic

Picture a troll under a bridge hurling insults at passersby — just like online trolls hurl provocative comments.

📖 Example

Please don't feed the trolls; if you see someone just trying to troll in the comments, the best thing to do is ignore them. 🔊 Please don't feed the trolls; if you see someone just trying to troll in the comments, the best thing to do is ignore them.

🔗 Collocations

troll the comments – to post inflammatory remarks in a comment section

troll on social media – to engage in provocative behavior on platforms like Twitter or Facebook

troll someone – to deliberately antagonize a specific person online

🔄 Synonyms

provoke (v.) – to deliberately annoy or anger someone

flame (v.) – to send hostile or insulting messages in an online discussion

antagonize (v.) – to cause someone to become hostile or angry

🚫 Antonyms

mediate (v.) – to help resolve a dispute without conflict

pacify (v.) – to calm someone down or reduce anger

🌱 Derivatives

troller (n.) – a person who engages in trolling

trolling (n./adj.) – the act or characteristic of trolling

📖 Cultural Story

Originated in Norse mythology where trolls were mischievous, ugly creatures. In the 1990s, Usenet users adopted the term for people who deliberately provoke online arguments.

Meaning 2：troll (Troll)

Troll 🔊

/troʊl/

n., v.

(n.) A person who posts mean or annoying messages online to upset others or start arguments.

troll 🔊

➕

/troʊl/

n., v.

A person who posts mean or annoying messages online on purpose to upset others or start arguments.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

That new user is probably just a troll; they created an account today and their only posts are rude complaints about everyone's favorite game. 🔊 That new user is probably just a troll; they created an account today and their only posts are rude complaints about everyone's favorite game.

🔗 Collocations

internet troll – a person who engages in trolling on the web

troll account – an online account created specifically for trolling

troll hunter – someone who identifies and counteracts trolls

🔄 Synonyms

provocateur (n.) – a person who deliberately stirs up trouble or controversy

instigator (n.) – someone who initiates or provokes conflict

flamer (n.) – a person who posts hostile or insulting messages online

🚫 Antonyms

peacemaker (n.) – a person who tries to resolve disputes and bring harmony

mediator (n.) – a neutral person who helps parties reach an agreement

🌱 Derivatives

trolling (n.) – the act or practice of being a troll

trollish (adj.) – having the characteristics of a troll