What does troll mean?
The word troll has a rich history and multiple meanings. In mythology, a troll is a large, ugly creature that lives in caves or under bridges. In modern usage, a troll can refer to a person who posts inflammatory or off-topic comments on the internet. The verb to troll means to fish in a boat that is dragging a net or line along the bottom of a body of water, or to search for something in a casual or leisurely manner. The term troll can have a negative connotation, implying that someone is being intentionally provocative or disruptive. However, it can also be used in a more neutral sense to describe someone who is simply searching for something in a casual or leisurely manner. The word troll is often used in a humorous or ironic way to describe someone who is being annoying or obnoxious. Overall, the word troll is a complex and multifaceted term that can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used.
A mythical creature that is often depicted as a large, ugly being.
"The troll was said to have lived under the bridge, where it would attack unsuspecting travelers."
In mythology, trolls are often depicted as being large and ugly, and are said to live in caves or under bridges.
A person who posts inflammatory or off-topic comments on the internet.
"The internet troll was known for his inflammatory comments, which sparked a heated debate online."
The term troll can have a negative connotation, implying that someone is being intentionally provocative or disruptive.
To fish in a boat that is dragging a net or line along the bottom of a body of water, or to search for something in a casual or leisurely manner.
"The fisherman was trolling for salmon in the river."
The verb to troll can be used in a more neutral sense to describe someone who is simply searching for something in a casual or leisurely manner.
The plural form of troll is used to describe multiple trolls, either mythical creatures or people who post inflammatory or off-topic comments on the internet.
"The trolls were said to have lived under the bridge, where they would attack unsuspecting travelers."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of troll
The word troll has its roots in Old Norse, where it was used to describe a giant or monster. The verb to troll, which means to fish in a boat that is dragging a net or line along the bottom of a body of water, is also derived from Old Norse. In modern usage, the term troll has taken on a new meaning, referring to a person who posts inflammatory or off-topic comments on the internet.
Usage notes
The term troll can have a negative connotation, implying that someone is being intentionally provocative or disruptive. However, it can also be used in a more neutral sense to describe someone who is simply searching for something in a casual or leisurely manner.