# Is calling somebody a troll an insult?  Or not?

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-calling-somebody-a-troll-an-insult-or-not/709185>\
**Category:** About This Message Board\
**Created:** [January 7, 2015, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-calling-somebody-a-troll-an-insult-or-not/709185 "2015-01-07T02:58:02Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
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**Author:** ![FXMastermind](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fxmastermind/32/7289_2.png) [@FXMastermind](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/FXMastermind)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2015, 3:25am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/is-calling-somebody-a-troll-an-insult-or-not/709185/4 "2015-01-07T03:25:26Z")

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> [@tomndebb](#):
>
> It is an insult anywhere outside The BBQ Pit.  
> If you have seen someone hurling that insult in ATMB, have you reported it?

It’s not clear if describing somebody as trolling is the same as calling them a troll. It certainly seems like an insult, as well as skirting the rules.

> [@2015 Housecleaning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-housecleaning/708724/1):
>
> It’s 100% trollery but worse, it’s pure stupidity.

> [@2015 Housecleaning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-housecleaning/708724/44):
>
> trolling

> [@2015 Housecleaning](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2015-housecleaning/708724/49):
>
> There is so much trolling

> [@tomndebb](#):
>
> Or are you just opening a new thread to ask a previously answered question?

I want to know if it’s an insult or not, to describe somebody, in this sub forum, as being a troll. Or, trolling, either way the intent is clear enough. It’s an insult. (consider if the same was being said about you, is it insulting?)

I just want a clear understanding of the rules here. Is it an insult or not?

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