The spelling of the word "troll" is somewhat tricky, as it has a silent consonant that can easily trip up inexperienced readers. The IPA phonetic transcription for "troll" is /troʊl/, with the silent "l" representing the historical development of the word from Old Norse. Although it may seem counterintuitive, the silent "l" is actually the correct spelling, with "trole" or "trol" being incorrect variations. So be careful when writing or reading about trolls, and watch out for that sneaky silent consonant!
A troll, in the context of internet slang and online communities, refers to an individual who deliberately stirs up arguments, provokes others, and fuels controversy online. This behavior is typically executed with the intent to disrupt or derail discussions, rather than constructively contribute to them. Trolls often employ various tactics such as posting inflammatory remarks, engaging in personal attacks, spreading misinformation, or creating false identities to manipulate others.
The word "troll" is derived from the mythical creature known for its mischievous and disruptive nature. In the online world, trolls similarly seek attention and enjoyment from the chaos and reactions they create. They take advantage of the anonymity and veil of distance provided by the internet, allowing them to act in ways they may not in face-to-face encounters.
Trolling can occur in various settings, ranging from social media platforms, online forums, comment sections, or even gaming communities. The impact of trolls can range from mild annoyance to significant disruption, as they target individuals or groups indiscriminately. Countering trolls can be challenging, as their actions often aim to provoke emotional responses, spread confusion, and foster resentment within online communities.
Recognizing troll behavior is crucial to maintain healthy and productive online environments. Building awareness of their strategies and motives enables users to respond mindfully and minimize the influence and spread of trolling behavior. Online communities often establish guidelines, moderation, and reporting systems to mitigate trolls' negative impact and ensure a conducive and respectful online atmosphere.
• To roll or trundle; to move or utter volubly; to turn; to drive about; to sing the parts of in succession, as of a round; to draw on; to fish for pike with a rod having the line running on a reel near the handle.
• A reel at the handle of a fishing-rod round which the line is rolled; a song, the parts of which are sung in succession.
• In Scand. myth., a supernatural being superior to man in strength and stature, but much beneath him in mind.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "troll" has an interesting etymology. It originates from Old Norse, where it was used to refer to various supernatural beings. In Norse mythology, trolls were large, often monstrous creatures that lived in caves or mountains and were associated with mischief and ill-intent.
The term "troll" was later adopted by English-speaking cultures, particularly in the context of folklore and fairy tales. It continued to represent these mythical creatures, often portrayed as brutish and dangerous.
In the modern sense, the term "troll" has evolved to refer to individuals who intentionally provoke, disrupt, and incite others online, typically on internet platforms such as forums, social media, or comment sections. This usage emerged in the early 1990s within the online community. These "internet trolls" exhibit similar characteristics to the mythical creatures, as they engage in disruptive behavior for their own amusement or to elicit emotional responses from others.